Honoring Our Wish
The Powell Family
At 19 weeks pregnant, we received the devastating news that our daughter, Tyrah, had Trisomy 18. We were overwhelmed with hurt, fear, and uncertainty as we sat with a genetic counselor who told us all the reasons our daughter would not survive. As the conversation neared its end, we were asked if we wanted to be connected with Edmarc, a hospice organization for children, for perinatal support care. At the time, we couldn’t fathom associating the word “hospice” with our unborn daughter and declined the offer. Despite what we had been told, our hearts were set on continuing to carry Tyrah and giving her a chance at life.
Two weeks later, feeling desperate for support, we reconsidered and reached out to Edmarc.
What we discovered was life-changing: hospice wasn’t about accepting an inevitable loss but rather about making the most of the time we had. Edmarc taught us that. They honored our wish to carry Tyrah and walked alongside us every step of the way. They encouraged us to find hope and embrace every moment. Instead of planning a traditional baby shower, we celebrated Tyrah’s life at 26 weeks with a celebration of life party—a joyous occasion filled with love and laughter.
Preserving Memories
Edmarc helped us to freeze these moments in time, knowing that every day was a gift. At 30 weeks, they arranged for a professional family maternity photoshoot. This was a new experience for us, and it felt like such a special way to preserve the memory of our journey with Tyrah.
They also empowered us to advocate for ourselves. At 32 weeks, Edmarc helped us schedule an appointment with a neonatologist and NICU team, something we hadn’t even considered. It was an important step, as it allowed us to meet the doctors who would care for Tyrah and to tour the facility. Edmarc’s social worker was there to guide us and make sure we felt prepared.
Giving Us a Voice
They gave us a voice when we didn’t know we needed one. Edmarc attended the neonatologist and NICU appointment with us at 34 weeks. Their presence gave us the confidence to ask important questions and work with the doctors to create a birth plan for Tyrah. Thanks to their guidance, we were prepared for what was to come.
But they also helped us face the reality of Tyrah’s condition. While they encouraged us to hold on to hope and joy, they also urged us to prepare for all possible outcomes. They helped us talk through how we might explain the loss to our 5-year-old son and how we would handle things if Tyrah was born still or if we had the chance to bring her home.
In the end, we chose to have a C-section at 37 weeks in the hopes of meeting Tyrah alive, but Tyrah had other plans. On July 28, 2023, at 34 weeks, she was born still. Although our birth plan didn’t go as we hoped, we were prepared for that moment because of Edmarc. That day, time stood still as we held Tyrah in our arms and cherished every second we had with her.
With Edmarc’s support, we were able to create lasting memories. They arranged for photos to be taken at the hospital and keepsakes to be made. It was the worst yet the most profound day of our lives—we met and lost our daughter on the same day.
Even after Tyrah’s passing, Edmarc continued to be there for us. They helped us navigate the difficult process of planning a burial, relieving us of the overwhelming burden. They worked with the funeral home and made sure that Tyrah’s plot and headstone were fully covered, ensuring we had no financial concerns.
Honoring Tyrah With Joy
Edmarc has been there for us every step of the way, helping us honor Tyrah and experience joy despite her diagnosis. We carried her with love, and Edmarc gave us the strength to make every moment count. We will forever be grateful.
Takeyah Powell
Tyrah’s mom
Takeyah Powell and her family were part of our Bridges of Hope perinatal support program. This program supports families who learn that their baby may be born with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition, ensuring they don’t have to face the journey alone. For over 20 years, Edmarc has provided compassionate care and services at no cost, guiding families through pregnancy, birth, life, and, when necessary, loss, while honoring the baby and supporting the entire family.