The walk has a special place in my heart, as Mike and I struggled with infertility for over four and a half years. We found out I was pregnant in October 2008 and were ecstatic. At seven weeks, I miscarried due to a partial molar pregnancy. A molar pregnancy is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), which is a group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of cells in the uterus. Molar pregnancies are rare, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 1,000 pregnancies. With a partial mole, the fetus is overcome by the growing abnormal mass rather quickly. In most cases, a partial mole is fully treated by initial surgery; only about 5% need further treatment. I developed persistent gestational trophoblastic disease, which is not a separate type of GTD, but a term used to describe GTD that is not cured by initial surgery. As a result, I was referred to an Oncologist and had to undergo chemotherapy treatments. Because of the molar pregnancy, Mike and I were not able to try to conceive for one year. Grieving our loss was very difficult, as well as understanding an unusual condition that most people have never heard of. The walk has been a beautiful way for us to honor and remember our baby. I previously served on the walk committee and it was a wonderful way to focus my energy on something positive. In 2012, we were blessed with the birth of our son, Griffin Hansen Opoka. He is our miracle baby and the light of our lives. A true gift from God. We enjoy every minute we spend with Griffin. We never take being parents for granted, as so many people never get that opportunity. Having Griffin has changed our lives immensely, but we will never forget our first gift from God, Baby Opoka. Our angel is in heaven, looking down on us and watching over us. Baby Opoka will always be remembered and forever loved. I would like to thank you in advance for your commitment to join Mike and I and other members of the community walk in memory of our children by donating to the Walk to Remember.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and learn about our baby who will only live on in our hearts… forever. We would like to ask that you help the organization that has helped us and helps so many others in their times of need.

All donations made to this page are made in loving memory of our baby gone too soon and will be used towards the WNYPBN’s Program.