Giving Birth to Love

Dana and Aria



In a Romanian city, baby Anastasia was born. An ocean away in a tree-shrouded Washington town, beautiful Dana cradled newborn Aria. 

Amazing joy comes to families as they welcome a child. Aria and Anastasia looked adorable wearing darling bows and the cutest outfits. 

Dressing up baby girls is something special no matter what part of the world you live in.






Dana, her husband CJ, Aria, and family

Yet, within months both girls were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an incurable, terminal disease. 

While it would be easy to spiral into despair, Aria’s family bonded even closer, friends surrounded them, and they purposed to make treasured memories.

When Dana reached out to other SMA families she met Dani, Anastasia’s mother. 






Anastasia



As the disease affecting their precious daughters became more real, they encouraged one another through terribly frightening days. 

Thousands of miles of separation didn’t matter as they emailed photos and video clips. They shared highlights from the events they created for the very short time they’d have with their girls. 











Dana, Aria, Santa, & CJ




Santa came early, as did the first birthday celebration that couldn’t wait that long.


Dana and Dani grieved together as they discovered just how hard loving the dying can be. 











Two precious baby girls born three weeks apart, also died three weeks apart. Dani and Dana continued to share their sorrow. 

They walked the healing road back to wholeness together. They loved one another through the darkest time they’d known.





Dani in Romania


Then a year and half after kissing their babies goodbye, they both became pregnant again. Two healthy little girls will soon be welcomed into two families across the globe from one another. 













 This time, Dani will give birth to Aria—named after Dana’s lost child. And Dana is giving birth to Anastasia in honor of Dani’s precious one.


This healing story of love was able to transcend national borders and cultural barriers. Love can do anything, anywhere, anytime.
"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

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