Andrew Ford, a parent from Tampa, and his wife, Catherine Mornhineway, learned about their situation in a way no parent ever has. In what was supposed to be a normal14 weeks ultrasound, their doctors told them that their unborn child had a rare condition and that she would not be able to survive after birth because she had not developed her brain properly. All of their dreams were shattered in an instant.
The doctors explained in a very compassionate way that many families, in this kind of situation, decided not to go ahead with the pregnancy.
The agony of this news would mean uncertainty and suffering in their days to come, but Andrew and Catherine decided to walk a different way, one that was inspired by their love, their purpose, and their will to serve others, in the middle of their own sorrow and grief by deciding to deliver their child at full term, so that her organs and tissues would later be responsible for giving new life to others.
While they were trying to find some relief and understanding, they found solace in reading about other families who had taken a similar path. They were encouraged by reading those stories and learning that they were not alone. A plot line she had once seen on the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy” encouraged her that perhaps there was the possibility of organ/tissue donation even for their rare and difficult situation. This made their tragedy have some meaning even though everything else seemed so overwhelming.
While driving with his wife in Winter Haven, the couple decided on a name for their daughter, Haven. Haven was the right name. To the couple, the name represented safety, light, and peace, which were all the things that their child should represent in the midst of their darkness. Haven would not only be a name but would represent love, hope, and quietness.
Medical experts claim the chances of the condition Haven has been diagnosed with occurring in such a manner are incredibly rare, and even fewer families opt to carry these pregnancies to term. Haven’s situation would be even less common than the preceding and have far-reaching impacts. Its effects would be felt even if the life of Haven itself was not.
Haven was born on Thursday at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. Ever since she arrived, her parents valued every little bit of time they had with her. They hugged their little one, talked to her, and loved her in their own special ways because they knew they would not have much time with her.
During the time of donation, the hospital corridors lined up in silence for an honor walk in tribute to the short but significant life Haven had lived. Andrew held his daughter close to him as she transitioned in peace, surrounded by love and compassion. “Not a single second would she miss from the short time we got to live together,” Andrew stated.
The heart valves from Haven have been donated so that other babies can be saved. Haven’s tissues are also hoped to help people who are recovering from serious wounds.
Haven’s parents said that the only thing that gave them the strength to move on was the realization that a part of their child would always be alive in others. Although Haven’s life was short, her legacy will be one of sacrifice, of love, and of hope. Lives will be saved, healing will take place, and the light will continue to shine through her, as her name indicated.
