Caring For Ella

A family embraces the short time they have with their baby born with trisomy 18, a fatal genetic disorder. (SJMN)

When she was four months pregnant, doctors told Christy Lee and her husband Matthew Cho that their baby had trisomy 18, a condition caused by a chromosomal defect. Most babies with trisomy 18 die in the womb. Only 10 percent survive their first year.

This video by the San Jose Mercury News chronicles moments from baby Ella’s short life, including touching scenes with her four older siblings, a 5-month birthday celebration, a bath in the kitchen sink and finally her funeral. Ella died two days short of her 6-month birthday.

Interviews with mother Christy Lee provide much of the narration for the story. The family also received nursing care and emotional support through Pathways KIDS, a local hospice program for children.

CHANNEL: San Jose Mercury News

Length: 6:32

Video by Pauline Lubens

VIEW: http://www.mercurynewsphoto.com/blog/2009/11/25/3601/

SEE ALSO:

“For Ella, life's path was certain but not predictable”
http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_13871926?IADID

Family Website:
http://ellacho.com/

“Choosing Thomas”
http://www.kobreguide.com/content/Choosing_Thomas