Warning - this story involves baby loss Kendall McGrath is running the @melbmara this year in memory of his beloved son Kai, twin brother to Sebastian, born at 33 weeks. Tragically Kai was born with a rare cancer-like condition, which meant the boys needed to be cared for at different hospitals. Kendall says, “Over the next weeks, we lived our lives between two hospitals caring for our sons. While Sebastian grew stronger over his NICU journey from humidicrib to open cot, Kai’s condition progressively worsened, to the point where his body had puffed up so much from excess fluid that he could no longer open his eyes. No matter where either of our boys were at, we divided our time to read them stories, did skin-to-skin (or in Kai’s case, hold his hand), and tried to make them both feel safe and loved. After a month of hospitals and living nearby in Ronald McDonald House Charity accommodation, Sebastian was discharged from the Royal Womens Hospital and able to be taken fully into our care. Around the same time, the doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital informed us that some of Kai's injuries would never recover, and that his vital organs were failing beyond reasonable medical intervention. Our options were to continue the fight for his life, or to stop treatment - make Kai comfortable, and create memories with him while he was still with us. A few hours later, the doctors updated us that Kai’s body had made the choice for us. Only 1.3kg in size, his body was now failing beyond recovery, and it would be soon time to say goodbye. Kai’s last day had his family visit him for the first time. We read stories to him and sang songs. Sebastian was allowed to lay in the bed next to Kai, a reunion that visibly calmed Kai. Our pastor came and baptized Kai with us. At sunset, Kai opened his eyes and looked at us after weeks of being unable to do so. Held in his Mum's arms again so that he knew he was safe and loved, the loud machines that supported him were turned off. We were left alone as a complete family for the first time. While we sang him songs, Kai gently left us behind.” Thank you Kendall for sharing your story with us and for fundraising in memory of Kai. (fb)

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