Edwards syndrome

Update message from Cassie and Chris: Thank you for all your prayers, our little angel went peacefully to heaven this morning. We are thankful that we got to bring her home and enjoy 16 beautiful days with our baby girl 10/10/22-10/26/2022.

My name is April Buchanan (Freeman), and I am writing this on behalf of my Niece, little Delaney Hope, and her parents, Chris Shaughnessy and Cassie Shaughnessy (Freeman). Cassie is not only my sister, but she is one of the very best people that I know, and has always sacrificed her own time and gone out of her way to help others while they’re in need. I can imagine while she and Chris may be hesitant to ask for help for themselves, it is my hope that all her previous generosity might be repaid (more than I ever could myself) for the benefit of their baby girl Delaney in her fight with Edwards’ Syndrome (Trisomy 18). As most of us have likely experienced, with pregnancy comes a little shock followed by excitement, impatience, and planning. However Cassie and Chris were given the devastating news that there was a high likelihood that their daughter was affected by Trisomy 18. In brief summary, Trisomy 18 (also known as Edwards’s syndrome) is a genetic condition which severely hinders fetal growth and development, commonly resulting in birth defects that are not sustainable for survival. After seeing a multitude of medical professionals that specialize in this condition, the diagnosis was confirmed. They were given the option to terminate the pregnancy. Despite what the two of them were told was inevitable, they chose against terminating. That is one decision that no one should ever have to make in their lifetime

On Monday, October 10th, 2022 following a difficult pregnancy, Cassie and Chris welcomed Delaney Hope into the Shaughnessy family. Delaney was delivered at 4 pounds, 12.5 oz. and 17 inches long at the UW Medical Center.

While she was in the NICU, doctors uncovered problems with Delaneys heart. Delaney’s heart was to require surgery. That will no longer be required. Unfortunately, after further genetic testing has revealed that these conditions are, in fact, Tri 18 Edwards syndrome.

Cassie and Chris will grateful to welcome Delaney home on October 13th. While they want to remain optimistic, we know that Delaney’s sweet life will be short. I am asking for your generosity and support. No amount is too small (or too great!), and you can be assured that any and all funds collected will go directly to support for Cassie and Chris Shaughnessy while they are not working and trying to prepare for what up hill battles are ahead of them.

Thank you for your time and your attention. I hope that we can come together to support Cassie and Chris in their time of need; and that together, we can make it a little easier while they are taking time off of work for their recovery.

Update: Today was a good wake up call and a realization that we all have tough times and stressful days, but there’s always going to be someone suffering, struggling, or even learning how to cope with something even harder than you can even imagine. Today I got off early and got to spend time with my sister, her husband, my Mom and hospice care. After sleepless nights up at the UW, Cassie and Chris were discharged yesterday and didn’t have a room last night. They both stayed at NICU over night with Delaney before she was released today. As soon as they arrived home they were ready for more education and guidance from the professionals at home on how to use oxygen tanks and how to care for sweet little Delaney. Then on to the paper work to prepare for her departure. It’s not an -if- situation for them; it’s when. They both are so incredibly strong. Although they both understand their challenges ahead they both have understood the benefits of staying positive and living the best out of their limited days with their daughter. They both maintain perspective and gratitude of their situation. They have been facing these challenges head on with grace and acceptance. I am just in awe over how amazingly calm they are. This doesn’t mean everyday is going to be like this for each of them, but I am so unbelievably thankful that they will get to spend this time alone with their daughter in the comfort of their home.