Explanation

September 30, 2007

Family and Friends-

We are writing to you for several reasons, mostly to update you on the progress of our pregnancy with our sweet boy, Maddox Donald, and to specifically ask for your prayers for our family at this time.

On Wednesday, September 26th, we went to our doctor’s appointment for what we assumed was a normal 18 week ultrasound… basically there to confirm that we were having our second little boy. Thankfully we were at a maternal/fetal medicine office due to some early complications that we were having with the pregnancy. Everything seemed normal and the ultrasound tech printed off several pictures of our little boy (confirmed!) saying how sweet his little feet looked in a split screen picture. Our physician came in several minutes later and began looking at many different positions of Maddox. We didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary until he mentioned Maddox’s head shape and that he was going to move us to another room for the “higher-tech” machine. We were both worried, but Dusty assured me that the Lord knew what he was doing and not to jump to any conclusions.

After a long ultrasound, an immediate meeting with a genetic counselor, an amniocentesis, and two days of waiting for preliminary results, Maddox has been definitively diagnosed with a chromosome disorder known as Trisomy 18 (www.trisomy18.org). This condition can cause many other problems, some which presented on our ultrasound, the more serious including Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, and a heart condition. Needless to say, his prognosis from our medical team is not good and they are unsure of whether he will make it to term. Of course we are heartbroken at this shocking news, and yet so thankful for God’s grace, mercy and presence at the same time.

We feel very strongly that the Lord is in control and He is the only one who can give life and decide when to take it back. Each day will be a new day as we continue with this pregnancy, wait anxiously to meet Maddox, and see what God has in store for our family. We thank you for your love and covet your regular prayers, especially for Deacon. We appreciate your respect for our need for a certain amount of privacy regarding our precious boy, but also our desire to continue daily life as “normal” as possible. We share this information with you to let you know of our deepest struggles and to make you aware of this condition we previously knew nothing about. We will update you as it is needed.

Thank you so much for loving our family! We are so thankful for those that have already surrounded us with their love, prayers and friendship.

God’s richest blessings,
Dusty, Kenzie and Deacon Stanfield

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

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