The Brief, Beautiful Life of Daphne Jane Gainer: Marked with Love

Monday, February 28, 2011

Marked with Love

A friend pointed out to me that the birthmark on Daphne's arm is shaped like a heart. It looks upside down to anyone holding her, but she'll be able to view it right-side up. Can you see it?

1 comment:

AEllsworthFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:53 PM
What a perfect little heart! :)
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A Brief, Beautiful Life

Daphne Jane Gainer was born on January 20, 2011, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was adopted one week later by Will and Rachel Gainer, residents of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hours after birth, Daphne was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) known as pulmonary atresia, which prevents blood from returning to the lungs to receive fresh oxygen and results in a severely underdeveloped right ventricle.

Living with just half a heart, Daphne spent all but three days of her life either in the hospital or on supplemental oxygen. She endured three extended hospital stays, two heart surgeries, one heart catheterization, and countless needle pricks, blood draws, and other tests.

Daphne passed away on March 18, 2011, just hours after undergoing her second heart surgery. Her life on earth lasted just 58 days, but it was both miraculous and inspiring.

This blog is maintained by Daphne's mother, Rachel Gainer. It celebrates Daphne's life, explores the realities of grief, and affirms that death is not the end and families can be together forever.