Colette Cook Hasty

November 15, 2024

NYSSA’S STORY…

Colette was given the diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Trisomy 6p Unique. Before even getting a full picture of what HLHS was, we were told to abort our first child. We refused and chose life instead for her! We didn’t care what “could be wrong” and knew also, just because something is seen or found out, does not mean your child will have those issues (as some diagnoses self-correct in utero) and some are never seen once born.

We did our research. Colette had a very extreme case of HLHS, so extreme no one in the state would take her on. Our OB quit seeing us and passed us off. Nurses would tell us to brace for her being dead. Eventually a surgeon at Dell Children’s Hospital agreed to take on our baby, who had a very rare mix of heart issues, with the promise he would do everything humanly possible. He also said that our baby being alive this long in the pregnancy was a miracle in itself!

It was our first baby, and instead of showers and nursery designing, we were being told our daughter had a 1% chance at surviving and asked about how we wanted to intervene with her care at birth. It took a toll on us mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We walked some of the darkest days of my life, holding joy and pain simultaneously. We celebrated her birth and sobbed at her death.

Colette has changed lives! Her existence has made a ripple effect in our own lives and in our community. We set up an organization in her name (Choosing Colette), which we would have never done without her life’s impact. I’ve walked deep darkness at her loss and deep joy at holding her the first time. She knew my voice, even while intubated, and would turn toward me. When I sobbed over hearing she was no longer eligible for surgery, her NICU numbers dropped at my wailing. She always needed me touching her when she hear my voice; she was a pistol!

Even after Colette’s death, I STILL am connected to Diagnosis to Delivery, encouraging other mamas and walking with them. To not feel alone, to have someone say, “Me too” or understand the trial you are under, is a priceless gift! Not only that, but the support for finding hospitals to contact and try to have Colette be seen at doctors resources galore… I cannot imagine walking that pregnancy without it!