Catherine Mornhineway and her partner Andrew Ford made the profound decision to carry their baby to term, knowing she would not survive due to a severe birth defect. Their daughter, named Haven Sariah Renee Ford, was born on December 11, 2024, with a diagnosis of anencephaly, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 5,250 pregnancies. This courageous choice not only allowed the couple to cherish fleeting moments with their daughter but also enabled them to donate her organs and tissues, giving hope to other families.
At 14 weeks into her pregnancy, Mornhineway was looking forward to her ultrasound appointment. After experiencing relief from morning sickness and feeling the baby’s movements, she felt optimistic. However, the ultrasound revealed a stark reality: the baby had anencephaly, a serious condition where significant portions of the brain and skull do not develop. A doctor informed the couple that the diagnosis was “incompatible with life,” suggesting termination as the common response.
Despite the devastating news, Mornhineway and Ford struggled with the idea of terminating the pregnancy. They were unsettled by the clinical language surrounding the procedure, which included terms like “surgical removal.” After three weeks of contemplation, an Instagram post referencing a storyline from the television show *Grey’s Anatomy* inspired Mornhineway. The episode depicted a mother who had carried a similar diagnosis to term and donated her baby’s organs. This narrative resonated deeply with the couple, prompting them to choose a path that could bring positivity from their heartache.
Mornhineway embraced the idea of carrying Haven to term, stating, “I was just like, that’s my little girl. I’m going to carry her and spend as long as I can with her.” Their decision to keep the baby alive for as long as possible transformed their grief into a mission of love and remembrance.
The couple’s journey included navigating complex medical logistics. Mornhineway was referred to the Women’s Center at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, where nurse navigator Laurie Van Damme played a crucial role in coordinating care. Van Damme recognized the importance of the couple’s wishes and facilitated communication with LifeLink, an organ procurement organization.
As Mornhineway’s pregnancy progressed, the couple prepared their family for the impending loss. They explained to their youngest children, Raeya and Malakai, that their new sister would go to heaven, while their eldest daughter, Chloe, was given the full context of Haven’s condition. The family ultimately chose the name Haven, symbolizing a safe place, which reflected their hopes for the baby’s brief life.
Haven was born via C-section, weighing 6 pounds, and immediately placed on life support to assess her organ viability. Over the next four days, the family created lasting memories, holding and caring for her as relatives visited. They documented their time together by making hand and foot imprints and even painting her tiny toenails.
On December 14, the family arranged to take Haven outside for the first time. Hospital staff participated in an honor walk, a ceremonial send-off often reserved for organ donors. As they wheeled Haven through the corridors, staff members lined both sides, paying tribute to the family’s extraordinary decision.
In a poignant moment, Ford’s sister read a statement the parents had prepared: “God sent her here to save another life; she has also saved ours in so many ways. That brings us peace.” Following this emotional farewell, Haven’s life support was turned off.
Haven’s organs were subsequently retrieved by surgeon Jacentha Buggs, marking a significant milestone as she became the youngest donor Buggs had ever operated on. The valves from Haven’s heart are expected to help several children awaiting transplants, while her placenta will be used for skin grafts.
Mornhineway and Ford hope that their story will encourage others to consider organ donation. Despite their grief, they find solace in knowing that Haven may have brought hope to another family during the holiday season. Ford reflected on the experience, stating, “It’s just so worth it.”
This heartfelt journey illustrates the profound impact of love and loss, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
