Our Story
The Carissa E. Memorial Foundation was established as a tribute to our beloved daughter, Carissa, and our son Christian Louis. She was a beautiful tenuous baby that touched the hearts and changed lives of all who came into her presence. In October of 2010 at 20 weeks, the medical team discovered that I had a short cervix measuring 8 mm. This bittersweet office visit confirmed that my daughter was perfectly healthy, but I was the one falling apart. At 21 weeks, my OB/GYN placed a salvage cerclage in efforts to save my pregnancy. I was on completed bed rest and only could leave the home for doctor’s appointment. All was well until I went into preterm labor at exactly 24 weeks. Thankfully, I was administered steroid shots to develop Carissa’s lungs. On November 5, 2010, I gave birth to a 1.5-pound baby girl who stole my heart. The NICU team explained that “this is a roller coaster ride”, but I continued my faith in God and embraced the prayers and support of my husband, family, pastor and church family. Carissa lived for 11 days and lost the battle after she developed a hole in her bowel, an infection, and a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain). She is now my angel baby that sits on the lap of Jesus, where the angels sing to her for all eternity. She is greatly missed and loved.
In May 2012, my husband and I suffered another devastating loss. Our son Christian Louis was born stillborn due to a traumatic delivery. Once again, my cervical problems left us grief stricken and full of sorrow. It is difficult to discuss my pregnancy with Christian; the wound is still fresh and bleeding. In time, I will share my experience. He is forever in my heart.
On September 15, 2014 our lives dramatically changed. Giving birth to a healthy baby boy at 9:05 PM was more than a blessing it was a miracle. Zachary Louis Morgan born at 37 weeks weighing 7lbs 15 ounces and 20 inches long was an ultimate gift from God. He gave us the desires of our heart, a full term healthy baby. Zachary, aka "Z-man", continues to amaze us everyday. Our love for him is unimaginable. We will never forget Carissa and Christian. Frank and I know they helped hand pick their baby brother, our Rainbow Baby!
Again, a special thanks for all of those who prayed for us during the difficult times, and prayed that we will one day hold our child in our arms. May God place a special blessing on your life.
In May 2012, my husband and I suffered another devastating loss. Our son Christian Louis was born stillborn due to a traumatic delivery. Once again, my cervical problems left us grief stricken and full of sorrow. It is difficult to discuss my pregnancy with Christian; the wound is still fresh and bleeding. In time, I will share my experience. He is forever in my heart.
On September 15, 2014 our lives dramatically changed. Giving birth to a healthy baby boy at 9:05 PM was more than a blessing it was a miracle. Zachary Louis Morgan born at 37 weeks weighing 7lbs 15 ounces and 20 inches long was an ultimate gift from God. He gave us the desires of our heart, a full term healthy baby. Zachary, aka "Z-man", continues to amaze us everyday. Our love for him is unimaginable. We will never forget Carissa and Christian. Frank and I know they helped hand pick their baby brother, our Rainbow Baby!
Again, a special thanks for all of those who prayed for us during the difficult times, and prayed that we will one day hold our child in our arms. May God place a special blessing on your life.