In honor of Wyatt Anthony and Tommy Ryan.

Count the Kicks is an organization close to our hearts that is actively working to challenge common myths and misconceptions around fetal movements in the third trimester. Please donate and spread the word in honor of our boys, Tommy and Wyatt.

Following in Their Footsteps

Wyatt's Story, from his mama, Kristin.

Wyatt taught me how it felt to be a mom, that abundance of joy you get from feeling the first kick, how special it is to watch a life grow inside of you. He also taught me just how fragile life is and what it was like to have your heart grow larger than you thought possible and how it can break into a million pieces all in one day.
 
Here's what I believe in all of my heart. Wyatt's movement slowed down in the third trimester. The day before he died I had a doctor's visit. I told my doctor about the decrease in movement who told me to "drink a soda and eat something to wake him up." No further testing was done and I was sent home feeling like an overly anxious mother. So much so, that the next morning when I woke up and felt no movement, I hesitated to call my doctor. I remember the feeling as if he wasn't there. When we did call and were told to go to the hospital, the nurse that greeted me told me "everything would be fine and he was just taking a nap"... an hour later no fetal heartbeat was found.
 
I later found out an ultrasound of his cord could have been performed which would have shown the knot before it tightened, possibly saving his life. I firmly believe that if more healthcare professionals were informed about fetal movement in the third trimester and took a mother's concern more seriously, future neonatal deaths could be prevented.
 

Tommy's Story, from his mom, Kirby and his dad, Tom.

To be his Mom is such a gift.  On January 6th 2018 I learned that deep, passionate love, and cruel, horrifying pain can exist in the same space.  This is the day that I delivered my son, Tommy and held him in my arms for the first time.  As I stared down at his little button nose, full head of hair, and perfect little feet, I was in awe at how beautiful he was.  It didn’t make any sense.  After nine months of carrying him, I was supposed to bring him home, give him kisses, and meet all of his newborn needs.  Instead, I was left wondering how it was possible to survive such pain. 
 
I started noticing a change in movements about a week before delivery.  After going to the doctors, I was assured that everything was OK and my baby had a “strong” heartbeat.  Later, a specialist determined that Tommy most likely passed due to a rare fetal-maternal hemorrhage.  There was a less that .001 % chance of this happening.  
 
Tommy has changed our lives in ways we never could have imagined.  He has shown us the meaning of life, through his death.  Without fail, this little boy sends us so many signs that he is indeed resting in peace with our Heavenly Father.  His love continues to light our way as we perform our work here before reuniting with him forever in eternity.
 
We love you Tommy.  
 
We continue to pray for all of the families who also feel this pain in their hearts.

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