Edinburgh Mum Shares Heartbreak of Losing Baby to Rare Genetic Condition and Organizes Fundraiser

In a heartfelt account shared with Edinburgh Live, Kerryann Marshall, a 32-year-old mother from Edinburgh, opened up about the profound loss she experienced when her pregnancy ended at just 15 weeks. The loss of her daughter Aurora on September 8, 2023, due to a rare genetic condition known as Patau’s syndrome or Trisomy 13, has left Kerryann and her family enveloped in grief as they approach what would have been Aurora’s due date in early March.

Kerryann, who resides in Edinburgh with her husband Andrew and their three children, recalled the unsettling feeling she had during the initial stages of her pregnancy, despite an early scan at seven weeks that indicated everything was normal. The subsequent scan after 12 weeks, however, revealed distressing signs, including fluid on Aurora’s brain and abdomen and an NT measurement behind the neck that was alarmingly high at 7.1mm, suggesting a significant likelihood of chromosomal or structural disorders.

The diagnosis of Patau’s syndrome confirmed the grave prognosis for Aurora, a condition where affected babies often do not survive in the womb or only live for a short period after birth. Kerryann described the indescribable pain of those three weeks leading up to giving birth to Aurora at the Royal Infirmary, likening her daughter to a “sleeping princess.”

Struggling to come to terms with the randomness of the tragedy, Kerryann reflected on the cruel twist of fate that led to Aurora’s condition, emphasizing how despite leading a healthy lifestyle and doing everything ‘right,’ she was powerless to alter the outcome. The support from her husband, children, and mother provided some solace during this tumultuous time, but Kerryann was acutely aware of the challenges they faced in finding the right words to comfort her, as reported by Edinburgh Live.

In her journey through grief, Kerryann found invaluable support from the baby loss charity Held In Our Hearts, which connected her with someone who had endured a similar loss, offering understanding and empathy that only those who have experienced such a loss can provide.

Determined to contribute to the charity that offered her a lifeline and to raise awareness about the often taboo subject of baby loss, Kerryann and her mother, Gaileen Mackinnon, have organized a UV Glow Party fundraiser. The event, set to take place at The Wiremill Social Club in Musselburgh on March 9, promises a night of dancing, raffles, and fun, with all proceeds going to Held in Our Hearts.

The charity’s gesture of providing Kerryann with a keepsake bag containing a heart keyring, part of which stayed with her and part with Aurora, along with seeds for forget-me-nots and photos of Aurora’s tiny feet and hands, offered a tangible connection to her daughter. This thoughtful act, along with the funeral directors’ creation of prints of Aurora’s hands and feet, provided a small measure of comfort in the face of immeasurable loss.

Kerryann’s message to others enduring the pain of loss is clear: reaching out for help and support is crucial, and holding in the grief does not aid in the healing process. Through the upcoming fundraiser and her openness about her experience, Kerryann hopes to foster greater understanding and support for those navigating the difficult path of baby loss.

For more information on the fundraiser and how to support Kerryann’s cause, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the event’s Facebook page and the Just Giving page dedicated to raising funds for Held in Our Hearts.