CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Complications of premature birth are the leading cause of death among children under 5, and 1 in 10 babies are born too early each year in the United States, according to the World Health Organization.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month and one family hopes their story and mission will help families who have lost a child.
Marquisse and Antwon Watson started a nonprofit organization hoping to help other families after the loss of their daughter, Alana Marie Watson, in 2014.
“We were newlyweds and very happy to be parents,” Antwon said.
What was supposed to be one of the happiest moments for Marquisse and Antwon took an unexpected turn during their 20-week ultrasound appointment.
“That’s basically where our story changed because we found out she was stunted and four weeks later my wife was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and had to have an emergency delivery,” he said. explained Antwon.
On May 22, 2014, Alana Marie Watson was born, measuring 15 ounces and 11 inches.
She lived for 36 hours and died on May 23, 2014 from complications related to her premature birth.
“A lot of people would open up to us and say, ‘Hey, we’ve been through this’ — we’ve never really shared that with anyone,” Marquisse says. “So we found a lot of comfort in friends and colleagues who opened up and shared their stories. That’s what made us realize, wow, there are stories that people haven’t shared.
That’s why they decided to start the Alana Marie Project, giving people a comfortable space to share their stories and connect with other families.
The nonprofit organization focuses on encouraging, empowering and supporting families who have lost a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.
“It’s not an easy topic to talk about, but for me, just finding that core group, who can be there to help you, allows you to be your authentic self,” Antwon said.
Since Alana’s death, the Watsons have had three sons, AJ, Andrew and Aiden.
“Honestly, with our next child, AJ, he was also a preemie. So it was definitely a scary time for us because he was born seven weeks early and we had to revisit that same NICU where we spent just a year before saying goodbye to Alana. But he’s a huge, healthy, vibrant kid, you’d never know he’s premature,” Antwon says.
The project also offers grief support packages, which include a journal, books, devotions, gift cards and various keepsakes.
“I feel like we often say, especially when the stories are very similar to ours, oh, that seems really close. Some of these triggers happen, but at the same time, if we can just help a family that’s going through this know that there’s someone out there for them and that they’re not alone, that really brings us peace. peace,” Marquisse explained.
The Watsons have a message for families who have experienced the loss of a child: “It’s okay to not be okay. I think a lot of times society puts us in a position where we feel like everything is perfect, everything is fine, but give yourself that space to really grieve. Give yourself this space to talk about it, because the worst thing I could have done is suffer in silence.
To learn more about the Alana Maire project, make a donation or get involved, visit website here.
They have an annual golf outing already scheduled for June 1, 2024, at Glenview Golf Course near Spring Field Pike.
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