We were a family of 3, trying to become a family of 4. We had a son born in 2014 and ideally we were hoping for a 2-3 year age gap. After a few years of infertility, just a few months after our son turned 5, we found out we were expecting. We were so thrilled and had started to dream of what would soon be, only to have all of this come crushing down on us when I was 11 weeks along. We were told our baby had anencephaly. This is a condition where the neural tube does not close all the way during early development, causing portions of the skull, scalp or brain to not form. This is a terminal diagnosis, with the high chance of miscarriage, still birth, or only a short time of life after birth. 

We were given our options and decided that we would let this little life live as long as we were blessed with it. We decided to carry our baby to term.

Along the way, we did a genetic test and found out our little one was a boy, and that he also had Trisomy 18. We named our little boy Josiah Levi.

We spent 36 weeks with him in utero and making memories as a family of 4. He arrived a month early. He was born an angel. His big brother was so, so proud of him, and that was such a beautiful part of this entire journey. 

One of our reasons we support NFTS is their goal of installing berevement suites in hospitals. Because of our situation, the hospital put us in a room towards the back of the L&D floor so we would have little chance of hearing others. These suites are built with extra things in mind like extra sound proofing, and to not give that hospital feel, but something a little more homey for the time of berevement. Also likely with a plan to exit the hospital easier. The hardest part of leaving the hospital after this is with empty arms. And while leaving with empty arms, you don't want to walk past a nursery of beautiful, healthy babies where yours should be. Our team was wonderful and led us through the back janitor exits and elevators to leave which was nice but also a bit strange. So with these suites, there is more of a purpose to them rather than just being fancy hospital rooms.

We're excited to come together to participate in 2025 Des Moines Angels in the Outfield, a fundraiser supporting No Foot Too Small. Our collective passion for this cause drives us, and we need your support to make a difference! Every donation—big or small—helps us reach our fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
• Spread the Word: Share our fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you so much for your support! We couldn’t do this without you!