After a complicated and scary pregnancy, our sweet girl, Ellory was born on 9/9/23, we were so in love and terrified. We were thrilled to meet our perfect, beautiful, and beloved girl but it was early, her due date was 12/6. She was so tiny and had many challenges ahead, in the early hours of 9/11 she needed even more extensive care. We watched her amazing team of doctors try to save her including preforming CPR on our 1lb baby, we were terrified. When there was nothing left they could do for her we finally got to hold our little sweet pea as she passed away in our arms. It was terrifying and emotional, but we were glad to be with her in those scary moments. She was not alone and hopefully heard us telling her mommy and daddy were there with her and how much we love her. On September 11, 2023 after only 42 hours of life, Ellory Athena Fitzgerald Chestnut passed away. To say we were devastated doesn’t begin to describe the depth of emotion that we felt, parents are supposed to out live their children.
The Adalyn Rose Foundation has been there to support our family since we were initially introduced to them the day after we got home from the hospital after losing Ellory. We attended our first virtual support group a few days after getting home and getting to share our story and talk to other parents who knew what we were going through was comforting. Losing a child is such an isolating experience, I remember feeling so lonely in it but also glad I didn’t know anyone who had been through it. Over the past year in sharing our and Ellory’s story I’ve learned that it’s not as rare as I thought. 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infancy loss, 💔 it’s the worst club to join with the most supportive and amazing people. The Adalyn Rose Foundation is among those amazingly supportive people who provide so much to loss families, hospitals, and the community. Please join us in supporting the amazing work they do anyway you can.
Thank you,
Ellory’s Parents, Kate and Matt
