Madysen Wilcox has chosen a challenging path, and she is sharing her source of strength in the face of adversity: her unwavering faith in God.
At 29 years old, Madysen is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy, with her due date quickly approaching. She and her 34-year-old husband, Darin Wilcox, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their third child, a baby boy whom they have named Charlie.
Despite receiving a devastating diagnosis for their unborn son, Madysen and Darin made the courageous decision to carry the pregnancy to term instead of terminating. This heartbreaking news has given the couple a fresh perspective on life and a deeper appreciation for their existing children.
Madysen, in an interview with The Epoch Times, expressed her gratitude for her faith, saying, “I look at my two kids like they’re walking miracles because they’re so perfect and healthy. My faith is the sole reason I’ve been able to navigate through this entire process.”
This trying experience has also played a significant role in teaching their children about God and His boundless compassion.
Leading by example, the Wilcoxes are showing their 6-year-old Havyn and 3-year-old Harvey how faith can help endure hardships.
Madysen reflected on the role of God in their lives, saying, “Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand in everything and how He guided us to make the best decision for our family. I believe that God tests us to strengthen and transform us. In this case, I believe that God entrusted me to carry this angel, so I am placing my trust in Him to guide me through this journey.”
However, Madysen faced complications during her first trimester, discovering a small sub-chorionic hematoma (a blood clot resulting from a ruptured blood vessel) during an ultrasound examination. She was placed on pelvic rest for two weeks, and the hematoma eventually disappeared.
As the second trimester progressed, Madysen experienced more spotting. Another ultrasound examination revealed the presence of another hematoma and indicated that her baby’s brain was not developing correctly. The ultrasound technician also struggled to locate the baby’s nasal bone.
At 18 weeks, Madysen’s worst fears were confirmed during a maternal-fetal medicine scan when the ultrasound technician remained unusually quiet. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Madysen anxiously awaited the doctor’s diagnosis: Alobar Holoprosencephaly (HPE), a congenital disorder in which a baby’s brain fails to divide into distinct hemispheres.
The devastating news did not end there. The couple learned that baby Charlie also had multiple heart defects, and the doctor described Alobar HPE as a fatal condition.
Overwhelmed by the news, Madysen recalled, “At that moment, it felt as though my soul left my body. The doctor then informed us that most patients with this diagnosis choose to terminate and left us alone to process the information.”
Devastated, Madysen experienced a moment of overwhelming despair while grappling with the difficult task of breaking the news to her children, saying, “My whole world felt like it was crashing down, and I felt suffocated. The reality hit me that our baby would not survive.”
Madysen described the excruciating decision they faced, saying, “Once we were forced to make this decision, we had to reevaluate everything we previously thought or believed. It is an impossible choice to make when you are confronted with determining how and when your baby will pass away.”
The decision to carry Charlie to term was grounded in prayer. Madysen and Darin fervently prayed each night, seeking guidance in making the best decision for their family.
After much consideration, the couple initially chose to pursue an abortion for medical reasons. They believed that inducing labor early would spare Charlie from ongoing suffering and allow him to pass away peacefully, rather than experiencing distress after birth. They also thought it would reduce additional trauma for their family.
Madysen reflected on this difficult period, realizing, “Looking back now, I recognize that I was mistaken in my thinking. Carrying him has been the best possible outcome for our family.”
The couple encountered various obstacles while attempting to proceed with the abortion. Planned Parenthood had a long waiting list, making it impossible for Madysen to secure an appointment before she reached 26 weeks, which was too late. Furthermore, Madysen’s insurance did not cover the procedure.
Despite other options being available, the couple firmly believed that carrying Charlie was the answer they had prayed for. They believed that God had made it clear that they were meant to continue the pregnancy, rather than terminate.
Madysen emphasized their profound belief that life on Earth is merely a fleeting moment in eternity, providing solace in the knowledge that she will be reunited with Charlie. She candidly admitted, “We truly have no idea how long he will live. We have had to mentally prepare ourselves for every possible outcome.”
Through their shared trials, Madysen and her husband have grown closer as they navigate their ninth year of marriage.
Reflecting on her journey, Madysen revealed that if she could speak to her past self during the early days following the diagnosis, she would offer reassurance to stay present in the moment and lean on her faith. She also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her family, friends, and even those who follow her TikTok account, @mamafitmadz.
She concluded with heartfelt appreciation, saying, “The love, kindness, and compassion shown to me during this journey mean the world to me, and I will forever remember those who have been there for me.”
The past few months have undoubtedly tested Madysen and her family, yet they continue to draw strength from their faith. Ultimately, they have found solace in surrendering their trials to God, acknowledging, “I am glad that we entrusted our decision to God and listened to His guidance. Looking back now, I realize that the timing and manner of Charlie’s passing is not within my control but lies solely in God’s hands. This understanding brings me great peace.”
Madysen concluded, “Charlie will always be our son, our third baby, and my two children will forever know that they have a guardian angel watching over them.”
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