Bereaved parents from Derry and Belfast whose children died of a rare genetic disorder and whose goal is to raise awareness about the condition so their “babies’ voices are not forgotten,” have met with Foyle SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey.
Mr Ramsey, chair of the Assembly All Party Pro Life Group, facilitated a meeting between bereaved mums Gemma Bradley from Derry and Charlene McCabe from Belfast; Dr Janet Little and Dr Eddie Rooney from the Public Health Agency and Bernie Smyth from Precious Life (pictured above).
Gemma and Charlene lost their children to Trisomy 18, which is caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 18th chromosome.
Most children born with the condition do not survive beyond the first few months of life. Mr Ramsey said little is known about the chromosonal disorder, and praised both Gemma and Charlene for their bravery in speaking out about their loss to raise awareness, despite their heartache.
Mr Ramsey said: “Gemma and Charlene are incredibly brave. Despite their grief, they want to raise awareness and help other parents who have suffered such a terrible loss and let them know they are not alone.
“Their goal is to raise awareness about Trisomy 18 and, as they say, so their ‘babies’ voices are not forgotten.’
“Facilitating a meeting for Gemma and Charlene with the Public Health Agency was extremely worthwhile, and I hope over the coming months we will work towards creating a greater, and much needed awareness about Trisomy 18.
“It is important to highlight the needs of mothers – such as counselling – who lost their children to the condition.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “I pledge to do all I can to help Gemma and Charlene, and other bereaved parents to create awareness about Trisomy 18 and not let them suffer in silence.”
