Saturday, November 22, 2008

Josephine Benifite Auction

This is my niece Josephine. She was born on October 22. Shortly after she was born she was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, or Edward's Syndrome.
She will not live long-trisomy 18 is genetic disorder where there is extra material from the
18th chromosome (like extra material from the 21st chromosome causes down syndrome.) About 95% die in utero. Of liveborn infants, only 50% live to 2 months,
and only 5-10% will survive their first year of life.Josephine has had many blue spells. Because of her condition she will stop breathing.
It seems that anytime her little body is under stress she has difficulty breathing. My brother asked me to make her a burial dress after the first episode.
This was a wonderful experience. I felt so honored to be apart of Josephine’s life,
to sew a dress that instead of being her christening gown would be her burial gown.
(You just can’t find dresses that small. I had to sew a doll pattern.)
Josephine is going strong on 1 month!
My Sister Lucy and niece Angelic are hosting an online benefit to help pay
for medical expenses. Any bids/donations would be great! Check it out here. The auction will start November 26th and last one week.
Check out Josephine's story and her amazing family here.