Turner Syndrome
“Turner Syndrome is a genetic disorder that many women live with daily and many survive. Turner Syndrome only occurs in females, as it happens randomly when one of the X chromosomes alter during conception. Millie was missing one of her "X" chromosomes which caused a lot of issues. When a baby is diagnosed with Turner Syndrome in pregnancy, she is given a 2 percent chance. The butterfly is the national symbol of Turner Syndrome. Butterflies are also given a 2 percent chance of survival. During my journey with Millie, I was very transparent about my daughter and her diagnosis. I then received many messages from other mothers asking for advice, guidance, and support. Being able to help others during my hard time has helped me slowly heal.
1 in 4 women will lose an infant in this lifetime. I became 1 of those 4 in October of 2017. Turner Syndrome affects 1 in every 2,000 live births. Millie became part of that statistic. She fought hard, but the fluid around her heart was too much to bare. Millie's diagnosis was the start of my journey to spread awareness for Turner Syndrome and gave me the desire to also help other mothers who experience infant loss. As a philanthropist, I wanted to put my grief into action and began researching how to establish my own nonprofit. I worked closely with a few women who also experienced infant loss as well as a close friend who was a local lawyer. Right before Millie's 1st birthday, my nonprofit, Moms of Hope of the Bayou Region, was officially established. Through the nonprofit, we focus on giving support to grieving moms as well as supplying hope boxes to our local hospitals that are given to mothers who endure a stillbirth or early infant loss while in the hospital's care. Moms of Hope of the Bayou Region's mission is to always raise awareness of infant loss and to support grieving mothers and their families. We provide online support and gatherings to be among others who have experienced infant loss. We hold an annual infant loss awareness event and aim to reach as many as we can through faith and prayer. As hard as it is living life without her and having so many "what ifs,'' she has led me to a path where I am now able to continuously help grieving mothers and show them that they’re not alone in their journey. By continuing to share Millie's story, it enables more connections, more support, and more love to be shared to all who have experienced unimaginable loss. Many asked how I continued on after her passing. My faith, God, and my family and friends is what steered me through the journey and what continues to help me move forward. By sharing my story with others, I am able to present that with faith and God on your side, you can still live a happy and fulfilling life after loss. We now move forward by celebrating their lives always and forever carrying them in our hearts. Millie’s story not only continues to raise awareness, but she also became a loved and an inspiring little girl who has made her place in her community.”
-Millie’s Mother
Millie’s collection is modeled her by her siblings, and the pattern includes a line from the song sheet, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” A song which was sung to all four babies. The Kaleidoscope Butterfly, which is another symbol for Turners Syndrome, is also featured on Millie’s pattern.
