The Brief, Beautiful Life of Daphne Jane Gainer: An End in Sight

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

An End in Sight

Good news: no heart catheterization! The echo confirmed that Daphne's BT shunt is completely clear. Daphne will be discharged as soon as we can make final arrangements for her portable oxygen (not an easy task). We're aiming for tomorrow. Everybody, pray hard!

2 comments:

MeganFebruary 15, 2011 at 4:50 PM
That's great news! Brinlee loves everyday climbing on my lap to see new pictures of the baby. She is in love. We can't wait to meet her.
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LaurenFebruary 15, 2011 at 8:45 PM
I'm so glad your mom has been there with you! Moms are the best. And what wonderful news that you will be leaving the hospital soon with your new bundle of joy. Miss you!
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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.