Sad news from Mike and Melanie...

Nearly a year ago Melanie had contacted me when pregnant and desiring encouraging support, as in utero her daughter was diagnoised with Trisomy 18. She and Mike needed HOPE and hope was something I knew we as a community could give!! The Ritzman's were embraced by our wonderful T18 community and many of you contacted, befriended and supported them as they awaited and then welcomed their daughter Olivia. The journey of T18 is so varied and we each our grateful for every moment no matter how short or long we have with our miracle child. Thankfully the Ritzman's enjoyed their daughter for 7 months however sadly Olivia passed away yesterday. Mike and Melanie I am sending my heartfelt prayers to you and your family. I pray that the Lord will bring your family comfort and peace during this time. Below I've posted (with permission)a copy of the e-mail I received from The Ritzman's on Monday, regarding their miracle daughter Olivia.

Sad news from Mike and Melanie...

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to let everyone know that Olivia passed away earlier this morning at 1:45am. Yesterday afternoon we decided to call hospice to help manage her pain. Serveral people were able to stop by last evening and visit with Olivia. At 11:30pm last evening, Melanie and I were in bed wondering whether Olivia would make it through the night. Shortly, thereafter we received a call from her nurse to come immediately. Melanie and I spent the remaining moments holding, loving, kissing, and crying with Olivia as she passed from her mother's arms into the arms of a waiting Heavenly Father.

Olivia is now completely free from the Trisomy 18 that has plagued her body.

Please pray for us as we deal with Olivia's death. Please pray for us as we help the children deal with Olivia's death.

Below is the obituary that will be in tomorrow's Lancaster paper.

Olivia Joy Ritzman, daughter of Michael & Melanie Ritzman of Christiana passed away at home on Monday, September 27, 2010. She was born in Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on February 23, 2010. Olivia Joy was born with Trisomy18 known as Edwards Syndrome. For her parents it was a privilege to love and care for her for the 7 months that God blessed them with her. Surviving besides her parents are 9 siblings: Tori, Alan, Katherine, Jacquelyn, Lucas, Elizabeth, Steven, Gabriel and Zoe Ritzman. Also surviving is a grandfather I. Glenn Ritzman and uncles and aunts. A memorial service will take place from Calvary Monument Bible Church, 1660 Mine Road, Paradise, PA on Thursday, September 30th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Robert M. Reid officiating. The family will greet family and friends following the service. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Fleming Foundation, c/o Mennonite Foundation Inc., 201 East Oregon Road, Suite 103, Litiz, PA 17543-7440 to help other families financially care for special needs children. Arrangements by the Shivery Funeral Home, Christiana & Paradise. shiveryfuneralhome.com

Thank you for all the prayers. If any of you have been forwarding my emails to others, please feel free to do so with our email attached. Please feel free to share any personal feed back.

Mike


I also recently learned that Mallorie Rose passed away last week. Please keep her family in your prayers too. A link to her webpage is on the side , if you would like to learn more about Mallorie Rose.