Cora's story

Cora's Momma - 09:36pm Dec 13, 2009 EST

Cora died in my arms suddenly and unexpectedly while breastfeeding. She was only five days old. One moment I looked down and saw her peaceful face growing sleepy from breastmilk. A matter of seconds later, and I looked down to a limp, pale baby, face covered in blood, with no movement. I screamed, jumped up and realized she wasn't breathing.

My husband and I rushed her to the hospital, driving her ourselves.

Nothing could be done to save sweet Cora. She died in my arms, but was pronounced dead after the doctors heroically tried to revive her for over an hour.

We're still learning what happened to sweet baby Cora, but the preliminary report says that Cora was born with a congenital heart disease or condition. We await the final report to find out what condition.

Cora transformed my life. She wasn't a planned baby. I'll never forget taking a pregnancy test on Easter morning 2009 and realizing my life was changed forever. My husband and I quit smoking, struggled to provide financially, and totally changed around our lives.

After Cora was born, I was transformed even more. I've never felt such joy, happiness, patience, and compassion. That love is the only thing getting me through. Cora has touched so many even though she met few. She teaches us all compassion, patience, and to cherish every day.

Through Cora, I've learned more about congenital heart diseases or CHDs and focus on sharing her story to raise awareness of CHDs, which is the number one birth defect.

I'll continue to work to spread Cora's story forever and seek out others who can help.