My Journey with GALD: A Story of Heartbreak, Hope, and Healing
A Dream of Motherhood
Growing up, I always dreamed of being a mother. To me, it meant love, family, and creating a bond that would last forever. Having lost both of my parents, I yearned to pour all my love into children of my own, offering them the kind of warmth and stability I once knew. Little did I know that my dream would be accompanied by unimaginable heartbreak.
The Joy of My First Pregnancy
In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, I discovered I was expecting my first child. The joy was indescribable. When I learned it was a girl, my excitement doubled—I was growing my best friend, my little angel. I followed every medical recommendation to the letter, attended all my appointments, and prepared everything she could possibly need. I counted the days to meet my first princesses. She was my angel and the proof of love I shared with her dad.
My Journey with GALD: A Story of Heartbreak, Hope, and Healing
A Dream of Motherhood
Growing up, I always dreamed of being a mother. To me, it meant love, family, and creating a bond that would last forever. Having lost both of my parents, I yearned to pour all my love into children of my own, offering them the kind of warmth and stability I once knew. Little did I know that my dream would be accompanied by unimaginable heartbreak.
The Joy of My First Pregnancy
In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, I discovered I was expecting my first child. The joy was indescribable. When I learned it was a girl, my excitement doubled—I was growing my best friend, my little angel. I followed every medical recommendation to the letter, attended all my appointments, and prepared everything she could possibly need. I counted the days to meet my first princesses. She was my angel and the proof of love I shared with her dad.
On December 12th, my daughter, Serwaa-Wusua, entered this world. She was perfect in every way—a tiny bundle of beauty weighing just six pounds. I cradled her in my arms, mesmerized by her sweet smile and her striking resemblance to her dad. For seven blissful hours, I was filled with love and hope for the future.
Heartbreak Strikes: Serwaa’s Diagnosis
But my joy was short-lived. Serwaa was diagnosed with Neonatal Hemochromatosis, a rare condition caused by Gestational Alloimmune Liver Disease (GALD). Her liver and kidneys were failing, and my precious baby was fighting for her life. Despite every medical intervention, she passed away just four weeks later. I was shattered. The autopsy report revealed that my immune system had mistakenly attacked her developing liver during pregnancy. The guilt was unbearable—I couldn’t reconcile how my own body could harm the baby I had prayed for. Yet, my doctors assured me that there were treatments to give me hope for future pregnancies.
Finding Hope: Pregnant with Twins
In June 2021, I found out I was pregnant again. This time, it was twins—a boy and a girl. I was cautiously optimistic, determined to do everything in my power to protect them. At 16 weeks, I began weekly Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments to prevent my immune system from harming their livers. It was a grueling process—six hours of infusions every Wednesday, coupled with constant monitoring and hospital visits.
A Double Loss: Saying Goodbye to Korkor and Osei
Tragically, at 26 weeks, I went into preterm labor. My twins, Korkor and Okatakyie, were born as micro-preemies. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Korkor passed away within 24 hours. Two years later August 30th, 2024 my son Osei was born at 28 weeks under similar circumstances, and once again, GALD claimed his life on September 24th after a few short weeks. In the span of four years, I lost three beautiful children to this devastating condition—two daughters and a son. Each loss felt like a piece of my heart was being taken away. The emotional toll was overwhelming, and societal misconceptions, the stigma about pregnancy and infant loss added to the burden.
Turning Pain into Purpose
But amidst the grief, I found a purpose. Sharing my story has brought me solace and allowed me to connect with other grieving parents who feel isolated in their pain. I’ve learned to channel my heartbreak into something meaningful by supporting families impacted by GALD.
Our Mission: Providing Hope and Comfort
Through our organization, we aim to provide comfort and hope for parents navigating this unimaginable journey. Whether it’s through raising awareness, offering emotional support, or funding research for better treatments, our mission is to ensure no parent feels alone in their loss.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
My journey with GALD is one of pain and resilience, heartbreak and hope. By sharing my experience, I hope to foster understanding, encourage empathy, and inspire others to support the cause. Together, we can give grieving families the solace they deserve and honor the memories of the little ones we’ve lost.
Other Helpful Resources
My Miracle Child: A Story of Hope and Resilience
My Miracle Child: A Story of Hope and Resilience Living
Life in the NICU: A Parent’s Emotional Rollercoaster and the Critical Role of Neonatal Care for Newborns.
Life in the NICU: A Parent’s Emotional Rollercoaster and the