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Article from Womans Day Magazine, 1991
Twenty four years ago my parents were faced with a heart wrenching reality. Doctors told them I was going to die.
Doctors told my parents that my ONLY chance for survival was for them to conceive a perfect match sibling. But not to bother because:
- The chances of that happening were virtualy ZERO.
- Most importantly, they didn’t have time to conceive a perfect match because I would die before that even happened.
- There was a 25% chance that any future children would also have Fanconi Anemia and also die!
Have you ever wanted to do something and had everyone telling you don’t do that, even though in your heart you knew it was the right thing to do? If so, then you can begin to understand how hard it was for my parents to move forward and try and conceive again for only a SMALL chance at saving my life.
Even after making the decision, they were STILL confronted with HARSH criticism and were told that conceiving a child to save another was morally wrong. My parents decison to have more children saved my life. They had more children, not because they needed them for spare parts, but because they had LOVE. My mom has always said that if I would have died she wanted to have peace in her heart knowing that she did everything she could to save me.
Too many people place judgment upon parents who have a child to save another. So to those people: Imagine looking into your child’s eyes and knowing there is a chance they may NOT make it to high school? Can you imagine knowing there was a chance they would NOT be able to fall in love. Can you imagine theres a chance they will not grow up and start a family of their own? Can you imagine the feeling of not knowing what day could be there last?
Is there anything you WOULDN’T do?
Together We CAN Help Save Lives,
Natalie Curry
Natalie,
You did an excellent job of asking questions that most people never have to face. But for those that past that unfair judgment in a negative way, should reconsider these thoughts.
We are so proud that not only did we save you; YOU are helping educate and inspire others with your ability to share your life. KEEP blogging, you never know who you might help save?
So proud of you!
Love,
MOM
Natalie,
I have a 9 year old son who has FA, just like you. Like your parents, we tried to do the same thing – 9 times – 7 through IVF with PGD. In the end we had a beautiful little girl, the natural way. She’s not a match, but her name is Emily (funny ha?). It wasn’t in the cards for us, but at least we know we really, really tried. God Bless you, your family and all the little children who have to face life and death situations at an all too young age.
Mary N.
Mary,
Thank you very much for visiting my site! I am very touched by your story. Your family will be in my thoughts! I can’t belive you have an Emily too, I’m sure shes an angel like my Emily! My heart goes out to all of the suffering children and there families!Thanks again!
Natalie