The McKinney Family / Phoebe Elise
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My name is Melissa Turner. I've been blessed to call Lucienne one of my closest friends for just over a decade. She and her family hold a very special place in my heart and they are truly an inspiration through their strength, faith, & compassion.
This past summer, the McKinneys learned that another little McKinney would soon be joining their crew. Their excitement grew into concern when, during a routine prenatal visit, Lucienne was told there may be a chromosomal defect. Many types of chromosomal defects exist, so blood work was taken to identify which defect was present.
After a long couple of weeks, Lucienne was informed that 1) it's a girl & 2) the baby girl had Trisomy 18. For those of you unfamiliar with Trisomy 18, it is a condition which is caused by an error in cell division. Unlike Down syndrome, which also is caused by a chromosomal defect, the developmental issues caused by Trisomy 18 are associated with medical complications that are more potentially life-threatening in the early months and years of life. 50% of babies who are carried to term will be stillborn, and of those that survive many will never live to see their first birthday.
This was absolutely devastating news.
In true McKinney fashion they have given this to God. They've named her Phoebe Elise which means "Shining, Pure Oath of God". In Lucienne's words:
"We have an uncertain road ahead. None of this has been easy. However, we believe that God created her, that He does not make mistakes, and He has a plan for Phoebe and our family. God is bigger than our fears and our pain."
Lucienne & Matt have had to endure a lot of difficult discussions and begin making equally difficult decisions. Tragically, amidst them dealing with all of this, Lucienne was laid off from her job just before Christmas. Due to her pregnancy, she is finding it difficult to find gainful employment and it has placed undue burden on this sweet family.
I have set up this GoFundMe account to raise funds to help the McKinney family with day to day expenses, medical expenses, and any other expenses that arise with Phoebe. Every little amount that can be donated is a blessing and greatly appreciated. Please join me in assisting this wonderful family.
To follow Phoebe's journey, please visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhoebeElisePsalm139
This past summer, the McKinneys learned that another little McKinney would soon be joining their crew. Their excitement grew into concern when, during a routine prenatal visit, Lucienne was told there may be a chromosomal defect. Many types of chromosomal defects exist, so blood work was taken to identify which defect was present.
After a long couple of weeks, Lucienne was informed that 1) it's a girl & 2) the baby girl had Trisomy 18. For those of you unfamiliar with Trisomy 18, it is a condition which is caused by an error in cell division. Unlike Down syndrome, which also is caused by a chromosomal defect, the developmental issues caused by Trisomy 18 are associated with medical complications that are more potentially life-threatening in the early months and years of life. 50% of babies who are carried to term will be stillborn, and of those that survive many will never live to see their first birthday.
This was absolutely devastating news.
In true McKinney fashion they have given this to God. They've named her Phoebe Elise which means "Shining, Pure Oath of God". In Lucienne's words:
"We have an uncertain road ahead. None of this has been easy. However, we believe that God created her, that He does not make mistakes, and He has a plan for Phoebe and our family. God is bigger than our fears and our pain."
Lucienne & Matt have had to endure a lot of difficult discussions and begin making equally difficult decisions. Tragically, amidst them dealing with all of this, Lucienne was laid off from her job just before Christmas. Due to her pregnancy, she is finding it difficult to find gainful employment and it has placed undue burden on this sweet family.
I have set up this GoFundMe account to raise funds to help the McKinney family with day to day expenses, medical expenses, and any other expenses that arise with Phoebe. Every little amount that can be donated is a blessing and greatly appreciated. Please join me in assisting this wonderful family.
To follow Phoebe's journey, please visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhoebeElisePsalm139
Organizer
Melissa Turner
Organizer
Cumming, GA
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