William Clifton Turner III, “Trey” was born November 25^th 2009 and lives forever in the hearts of each person whose life remains remarkably changed by his.

 From the moment my husband W.C. and I learned we were expecting again, this baby was treasured with great anticipation.  Already having a beautiful, healthy daughter, Elie, meant our home would now be enlarged by “two more feet.”  W.C. had predetermined the name for a son and I had my favorites for another little girl. Elie was simply happy with the thought of being a “Big Sister.” We had recently moved into our new home and life was truly good.

 For the next few months as my belly began to grow and Elie would insist on kissing her baby (my stomach) goodnight.  Doctor’s appointments came and went, the first ultrasound pictures were taken and our baby was affectionately named our little butterbean.  

 The nursery was prepared.  More names were discussed.  Would it be Trip or Trey if it was a boy?  And if it was a little girl, well we would chose that name based on which suited her most.

On July 13, 2009 during the fifth month of pregnancy, we learned we were having a son.  It was also discovered by ultrasound that our son exhibited markers indicating a serious chromosome defect.  We would have to travel to the University of Florida Women’s Center in Jacksonville for further testing. Fortunately, we were seen the same day.

After performing amniocentesis the diagnosis was confirmed.  Our son, Trey, had a condition known as Trisomy 18 or “Edwards Syndrome.”  During development a fetus carries pairs of chromosomes that make up DNA.  Trisomy 18 is characterized by a third chromosome #18, which attaches itself at the cellular level and thus affects every aspect of fetal development.  

 Trisomy 18 is considered fatal. Upon diagnosis we were told it was unlikely that Trey would be carried to term, even more unlikely that he would survive birth and life expectancy ranged from a few minutes to several hours.  While your mind is processing the information being delivered by professionals, your heart is rejecting any outcome other than a perfect baby and pleading for a miracle.  You pray and pray some more.  Why us?  Why now?  Why our son?  As we were preparing for new life, we are confronted with how to prepare for death. 

 The next few hours and days seemed to run together in a blur of tears, frustration, confusion and even anger.  As time continued to pass, the anticipation of every kick or movement was at times unbearable.  Movement meant our baby boy was alive, no movement meant, well… 

 My boss, co-workers and friends at the Camden County District Attorney’s office provided a daily supply of encouragement, hope and spiritual support.

Katie Udy, an Assistant District Attorney and avid runner, began to seek out a tangible way to carry our story to others.  It was through her that we became involved with the Fetal Hope Foundation.  She formed “Team Trey” to participate in the Race for Fetal Hope. We, along with numerous family and friends participated in our first Race for Fetal Hope in October 2009 in Atlantic Beach, FL. and a memorial Race for Team Trey in October 2010.  This will continue to be an annual event for us as a way to memorialize Trey and bring awareness to fetal syndromes. 

 As the weeks became months we were encouraged that I was still carrying Trey.  We continued to see many specialists to help determine what we could expect in the event Trey was born alive.  Most reports were more of the same.  The reports that did indicate Trey was developing better than expected were quickly followed with the realization and reminders of his diagnosis.  We were faced with decisions of how to care for him and to what extent we wanted invasive measures done to preserve his life.  Although well-meaning professionals supplied information to help us formulate our birth plan, it was still our son.  How do we decide not to supply his every need for life?

 After four very anxious months under the watchful eye of Robert Mixson, our obstetrician at Southeast Georgia Health Systems, Anthony Perszyk, Trey’s genetic specialist with Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital, Stephanie Lacey, Trey’s cardiologist at Wolfson’s he arrived kicking and screaming the day before Thanksgiving.  It was a scheduled birth at our local hospital.  Big Sister Elie, Mamie and Papa, Aunt Kadie, Uncle Matt and Aunt Brianna were all there to greet him along with several close friends. The staff at Southeast Georgia Health Systems was exceptionally attentive to Trey and compassionate towards our family and friends desire to participate fully in his birth. Amy Lasley, our attending nurse, arranged for Hospice of the Golden Isles to assume Trey’s care once we left the hospital.  We went home three days later.

 Trey lived a full life for almost three months.  Big Sister Elie was immediately in love with her Trey-Trey. She would greet him each morning and afternoon with a kiss. During his restless times, it was W.C.’s ability to swaddle him like no one else could and Christina’s voice that soothed him most. He became annoyed during diaper changes and routine dressing of his omphalocele.  His feeding was done by syringe and he would let you know he was hungry.  He liked his bath and enjoyed watching TV with Big Sister Elie.  He traveled to Atlanta to visit family and friends, to Tampa to visit Aunt Kadie’s family.  He attended Church, Christmas gatherings, Birthday parties, spent the night with Mamie and Papa, stayed with Aunt Wanda and at Ms. Sharon’s daycare.  He even visited Christina’s office. 

 Hospice attended to Trey’s medical needs throughout his life and continues to provide support even today.  His Hospice nurse, Miram Marat was tireless and available at a moments notice.  Her constant communication with Dr. Anthony Perszyk gave us much needed reassurance that we were doing everything we could to provide Trey with all the care and love he needed.  Her professional assistance and her friendship ensured that Trey’s transition from this life to his eternal life was caring, compassionate and without pain. With family by our side, on February 22, 2010, Trey left our arms and rested in the arms of Jesus. 

 We are eternally thankful for the privilege of being Trey’s parents.  The lessons we learned, the life we shared and the bonds we formed will be a constant reminder of how precious Trey’s life was.  Without him, our lives would not be as rich.  We would not have the ability to minister love, hope and faith to others who find themselves in similar circumstances.  We remain in awe at the outpouring of support we received and continue to receive from friends, family and a community who journeyed with us and so freely shared of themselves and their resources.  Life is truly good.  

“To him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ever ask or imagine, be Glory and Honor Forever.” 

W.C., Christina and Elie Turner

Woodbine, GA