Mum's painful goodbye
Goodbye, my miracle
Take a Break Monthly, Daily Mail, Metro, Mirror
I followed Tammy’s journey on Instagram for a long time before approaching her to share Wilber’s story. But I did get in touch with her because I was continuously moved by the beautiful bond she shared with her son, who was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and how bravely she shared her immensely strong and raw emotions with her followers in order to help them through their own grief. Her presence in the baby loss community was moving and inspiring.
Through Wilber’s Journey, Tammy shared the ups, the downs, the moments of light, the signs from Wilber in heaven that gave her comfort, the hard days as a parent coping with loss, and raised awareness of the rare condition Wilber suffered with so that other parents in her shoes would find a community to help them cope.
Little Wilber had central-core disease - affecting muscles used for movement, and also resulted in Wilber suffering rare and severe arthrogryposis - stiffness in his joints.
He was unable to move or breath unaided and needed around-the-clock care after his birth in May 2018.
Tammy had suffered endometriosis, a painful and incurable gynaecological disease that had impacted her ability to conceive. After having her daughter 20 years earlier, she’d waited 20 years for Wilber to come along. He was a miracle baby.
For Wilber to only have 13 weeks on this earth and his devoted mum’s arms was the cruellest twist of fate.
But Tammy, who has somehow found the strength to not only cope with the enormity of her grief and trauma, but also tell her story again and again to raise awareness. She’s an inspiring, loving, strong mum who is keeping Wilber’s memory and spirit alive by telling the world about him
It’s been my honour to share Wilber’s journey with the UK media. As a mum myself, I’ve really connected with Tammy and truly care for her. We remain in touch and I am lucky to call this wonderful, compassionate, soulful lady my friend. I only wish Wilber was still here by her side…
Click the image below to read Tammy’s story in Take a Break, buy the mag which is on the shelves now (Take a Break MARCH), or read the versions I placed in the Daily Mirror, Mail, and Metro.
For help, support, information, resources and bereavement counselling to help cope with the loss of your baby, please visit Tommy’s, Sands, or the Lullaby Trust.
Tammy’s story in Take a Break Monthly
