About the Story

It is 1977 and Mary’s third child, Cathy Anne, doesn’t breathe at birth. Diagnosed later with Trisomy 18, a life-threatening syndrome, Cathy Anne is destined to be left in the care of an institution—but Mary and her husband John want to give her normalcy and love for the short time she spends on Earth.

Facing multiple challenges with the pressure of rapid-fire decisions, they advocate for Cathy Anne to spend her final days at home. The only way for them to survive their heartbreak is to lean into their faith, the presence of God, and His strength and peace for their family.

After this life-altering experience, Mary and John decide to pioneer the first perinatal loss bereavement support group in Westchester County, New York. Mary, a nurse by profession, transforms her career trajectory to become a family therapist specializing in bereavement—opening both her heart and home to grieving parents.