Angel baby Pierce

Pierce is this sweet little boy who came to earth a few years ago and touched many hearts.  He has touched mine, as I have read his story and have come to know his cute parents, Alesha and Phil.  They are going to join us at the Running with Angels 5K on May 16th and release the doves, in honor of angel Pierce.  I love how he is holding his hands in this picture.

Here is his story, as told by Alesha:

In April 2011 we were excited and nervous to welcome our 3rd boy! Early on we choose to name him Pierce. Everything went well with the pregnancy. Pierce seemed to be a very mellow baby in utero, which I was so happy for considering he was less than 2 years apart from his older, very busy brother.  On May 25th we went in for a scheduled c-section. We expected this to be a smooth and predictable delivery. Shortly after getting Pierce out they realized he was really struggling to breath. He didn't cry when he came out either. After about 5 hours of trying to get him to keep his oxygen levels up they decided it was necessary to transfer him to Primary Children's Hospital. The life flight team came, intubated him, gave him surfactant (thinking his lungs were some how under developed) and off he went. 

What we thought was a simply case of under developed lungs or infection ended up being something we could have never anticipated. We thought Pierce would spend 7-10 days in the hospital. He spent 7 weeks in the hospital enduring multiple intubations and extubations, blood draws, EEGs, EMGs, genetic testing, and about every other test possible. He was a mystery. He looked completely healthy and perfect but he could not breath. Shortly before Pierce passed away we learned he most likely had a genetic condition called SMARD, Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress. Our sweet little guy had a paralyzed diaphragm and increased muscle weakness throughout his whole body. Pierce passed away on July 12th 2011 in the arms of his Daddy. 

Everyday we wish Pierce could be a part of our family here on Earth. We talk about him and include him in our lives on a daily basis. We love him and miss him very much. 

We have since welcomed our rainbow baby, a girl, Myla. We feel so blessed to have her here with us.