Leanne’s Story
When our sweet little Charlotte came into this world on August 14th, 2020, we knew only that our beautiful daughter was here. We didn't know we would only have 30 days with her, that her family would have limited time with her, that the NICU would become her home, and that our sweet little girl wouldn't experience the life we had imagined for her.
Charlotte was admitted to the NICU at the Grey Nuns the day after she was born. Five days later, we were transferred to the NICU at the Stollery Children's Hospital, where the nurses and doctors became our family. The Stollery was our home for the remainder of Charlotte's short but incredible life. After multiple exams and many blood tests, probably a week after we were transferred, my husband and I were told the crushing news. In that small conference room, we heard that Charlotte's little body would not be able to support her and that she had a suspected, very rare and fatal, mitochondrial disease. While I could understand the information, I couldn't accept it. We all wanted more time. Charlotte is our daughter; how could this be happening to our sweet baby.
Over the next week, our hope for Charlotte changed into something I hope no family has to endure, though I know it's a reality for so many. Our hope for Charlotte was that she would not experience pain, that she knew we, her parents, and her medical team had done everything they could, that she knew how much she was loved, that we would share her and her story, and that she never felt alone. On September 12th, we were able to bring Charlotte home, uncertain of how long she would live but understanding that she would pass away at home. Early in the morning on September 13th, Charlotte passed away peacefully in my arms, knowing she was loved and would be loved forever. My husband and I kissed our little girl goodbye for the last time.
Our grief will be forever because our love is forever. As hard as it is to share Charlotte's story, we do it for her and for others who may be going through something similar. Charlotte's legacy will always be with us, and sharing her story is our way of honoring her memory and helping others find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
