Last Saturday, in the middle of the night, we went to the emergency room after Cathy felt her water break. After being admitted, monitored, and tested for a few days, the doctor informed us that although our baby was still alive, there was no amniotic fluid left to support his growth. We were discharged to rest at home while awaiting labor, but were told that the baby would not survive the pregnancy. We returned to the hospital a few days later once Cathy started feeling contractions.

At 11:45 on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, baby boy Santiago Ascension Duarte was born - he had just turned 18 weeks. We were able to spend one special hour with him before he passed away in our arms at the hospital. Following this, the doctors informed us that Cathy was bleeding excessively and they had to perform an emergency D&C procedure on Cathy in order to stop her bleeding. The procedure was a success and we were released from the hospital the following day.

We are currently resting and recovering at home with the family. This fundraiser is to help with the costs of our several nights at the hospital, the operation, and burial of our son. We'd like to thank any friends and family that have reached out to us already and continue to feel grateful for the support during this time in our lives.