Laura's page
Laura Cooling is raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity
Team: Remembering Etta Mease
In memory of Etta Mease
Story
I was lucky enough to get a place in the Great North Run through the ballot, however, since doing so I heard of my friends tragic news and decided to fundraise for their cause. Here is their story.
Chris and Beth Mease
Our beautiful baby girl Etta made her gentle entrance into the world and after 9 months of being blissfully unaware that she had a serious heart condition, Etta's journey took a very different route than we had expected, planned or hoped for. We received the earth shattering news that no parent should ever have to hear.
It quickly became apparent that we would need to strap ourselves in for a bumpy ride - but one that has ultimately proven life affirming, eye opening and inspiring in so many ways, something that we thank our little fairy for. It is only since Etta's death that we have learnt that she had Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy, a very rare form of cardiomyopathy - the general term for heart failure - which impacted the heart muscle and ultimately meant that her life was cut unimaginably short.
Despite our baby fighting so hard to keep her heart going she began to tell us that it was getting too much. Guided by doctors we took the incredibly hard decision to let Etta come off her intensive care support and have one last precious cuddle, giving her the dignity she deserved in her last few moments. Our exquisite angel is now at peace.
During her 103 days on this earth much time was spent under the watchful eye of Great Ormond Street. Whilst ultimately Etta had a sad ending, we as a family have felt nothing but comforted by the staff at this wonderful hospital. No stone was left unturned in trying to find the cause for baby Etta’s condition. It is one of the most reassuring places in the world to be when you have such a poorly child.
Not only have we been astounded by the skill, knowledge, compassion and dedication by all of the staff at GOSH, but the behind the scenes network is also incredible - offering support at the most difficult times. Whilst Tuesday's heart failure clinics were often mental marathons for us, we look back with fondness at the nurses, dietitians, doctors and phlebotomists who we managed to share lighter moments with and joy for our little girl.
Etta was exquisite. Her delicate features and dazzling auburn hair meant that she was admired everywhere she went.
We have definitely discovered our own strength during this time but feel sure that we drew lots of this from the way GOSH dealt with us.
We are certain that we want Etta's memory to help support the incredible work that happens at GOSH and we love the idea that our little fairy, who inspired us so much in her short life, will help others who have their own battles to face in the future.
Chris and Beth Mease
Our beautiful baby girl Etta made her gentle entrance into the world and after 9 months of being blissfully unaware that she had a serious heart condition, Etta's journey took a very different route than we had expected, planned or hoped for. We received the earth shattering news that no parent should ever have to hear.
It quickly became apparent that we would need to strap ourselves in for a bumpy ride - but one that has ultimately proven life affirming, eye opening and inspiring in so many ways, something that we thank our little fairy for. It is only since Etta's death that we have learnt that she had Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy, a very rare form of cardiomyopathy - the general term for heart failure - which impacted the heart muscle and ultimately meant that her life was cut unimaginably short.
Despite our baby fighting so hard to keep her heart going she began to tell us that it was getting too much. Guided by doctors we took the incredibly hard decision to let Etta come off her intensive care support and have one last precious cuddle, giving her the dignity she deserved in her last few moments. Our exquisite angel is now at peace.
During her 103 days on this earth much time was spent under the watchful eye of Great Ormond Street. Whilst ultimately Etta had a sad ending, we as a family have felt nothing but comforted by the staff at this wonderful hospital. No stone was left unturned in trying to find the cause for baby Etta’s condition. It is one of the most reassuring places in the world to be when you have such a poorly child.
Not only have we been astounded by the skill, knowledge, compassion and dedication by all of the staff at GOSH, but the behind the scenes network is also incredible - offering support at the most difficult times. Whilst Tuesday's heart failure clinics were often mental marathons for us, we look back with fondness at the nurses, dietitians, doctors and phlebotomists who we managed to share lighter moments with and joy for our little girl.
Etta was exquisite. Her delicate features and dazzling auburn hair meant that she was admired everywhere she went.
We have definitely discovered our own strength during this time but feel sure that we drew lots of this from the way GOSH dealt with us.
We are certain that we want Etta's memory to help support the incredible work that happens at GOSH and we love the idea that our little fairy, who inspired us so much in her short life, will help others who have their own battles to face in the future.