The Pierson Family

We have been blessed with four wonderful children, Katherine, 13, Joe, 11, Caroline, 9 and Anna, age 5. Kat and Joe are beautiful, fun loving and healthy. They enjoy school, sports and their friends. We are very proud of both of them.

Caroline and Anna were both born with a rare, undiagnosed genetic disorder. Caroline was born full term on October 22, 2000. A couple of months after her birth, doctors were concerned about the size of her head. Her skull was very small and doctors determined that her brain stopped growing around 20 weeks of the pregnancy. We were initially heartbroken that our little girl would not live a typical, active life, and grieved about the unknown challenges.

Early on, the doctor informed us that he was gravely concerned about Caroline. Her brain was not capable of sustaining life. We were devastated and did not think that she would survive. Other doctors were quick to point out that Caroline would not have a normal life span and she may not live to be two years old. We were given many different opinions. We had to make decisions that were appropriate for Caroline and our family. We knew that she was an important part of our family, our home and our community. Little did we know then, how much joy we would experience through this beautiful young girl.

We did not know where to turn and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) referred us to The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC). FBC provided us with hope that Caroline can thrive and experience life through many different therapies. She has received excellent care, made progress and thrived with her school program at FBC over the last 8 years.

Caroline has many challenges, she cannot walk, talk or eat orally. She struggles with seizures, muscle spasms and visual impairment. Although these disabilities seem difficult, she amazes all who meet her with her happy disposition and beautiful smile. Caroline teaches us daily the importance of “being present” and embracing each moment.

Four years later, we were delighted to be expecting another child. During an ultrasound at 27 weeks, the doctors pointed out that our fourth child’s brain had halted growth. This was a very difficult time of grief and sadness for our family. We cried, prayed and had 13 weeks of the pregnancy to be consumed with concern about the birth and severity of our baby’s well being.

Anna Clare was born on August 30, 2004. It was a glorious day and all worry was forgotten when we held our little angel. Our daughter, Kat, informed us that we had done such a good job with Caroline that God gave us another special child. Anna always comforted us all. She had a way of making you feel peaceful and her gentle way touched many. She had big blue eyes that made you melt and a sweet smile that was delightful. From the day Anna was born, we knew our time with her was limited. She taught our family patience, acceptance, and most of all unconditional love.

Anna had many dear people in her life from her teachers and therapists at FBC, her doctors and nurses, her respite care providers and her friends and family.

Anna always had many challenges and this last year has been very difficult. She was hospitalized with pneumonia for two weeks in the beginning of July. The caring staff at Scottsdale Shea and amazing doctors from PCH helped our family with agonizing decisions. On July 22, 2009 we agreed it was time to bring Anna home for her final days. With the help of Hospice of Valley, Anna was home with our family.  We comforted, loved, held, prayed, cried and spent quality time with Anna for her last three days. Anna died on July 25th surrounded by her family. We were thankful to have the precious time with our littlest angel and feel so blessed to have her in our family.

As we share our story with you, we realize that each of us have our own struggles and difficult times, and realize how Ryan House would have been helpful for our family. We are looking forward to Ryan House for Caroline. We are so grateful for our family, friends and community who have embraced us during this time of grief, loss and most importantly pure love.