About 2 years ago, my husband and I were expecting our second baby. It was through a series of first trimester screening tests that were aware that we were going to have a trisomy 13 baby. Trisomy 13 babies have an extra 13 chromosome that affects various abnormalities, such as heart defects, cleft palate/cleft plate, and extra digits to just name a few. In most cases, trisomy 13 is a terminal condition and when we found that information out, we got in contact with the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network, Inc. (WNYPBN). This organization is amazing in of itself, but Christine blessed us with an opportunity that always will keep our baby alive. She presented with us a special recording box that allowed us to record our daughter’s heartbeat. We took it to our next doctor’s appointment and were able to record her heartbeat and made our Helen Bunny, stuffable bunny with the Helen’s heartbeat inside. On January 4, 2012, our daughter Helen Lois Pritchett was born and on January 13th, 2012 she entered into Heaven. This baby girl was a very special baby touching the lives of many people and still to this day touches our hearts.
Due to the restrictions and safety precautions required by New York State because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNYPBN has to restructure our annual events. In response to this series of unfortunate circumstances, the creative team has come up with alternatives to our annual events, while still paying tribute to your beautiful babies and helping others who are in need of assistance after the loss of their babies, while keeping our community safe.
Please visit our Events tab for information about our upcoming 2022 Events and Fundraisers. We hope you are all able to participate in one or all of our events as we adapt to our “New Normal” and continue to stay in good health and be safe. We are grateful for your support!
Thank you, Emily, Christine, Sue, Kelly and our Event Volunteer Committee