Cassandra Louis Garth

Cassandra was born 8/5/1995 at Bethesda Navel Hospital in Maryland. We were stationed in Baum-holder Germany when we were told she had a medical issue called Duodenal Atrisia. We were told she had a 35% survival chance and given option to be sent to Bethesda where there were specialist or stay and go to Doctors on the German Economy with the knowledge that they do not try to save babies with medical issue vigorously. I was at Bethesda Navel Hospital fro 28 weeks on. Ran multiple test on her heart, and created a plan to surgically repair her small intestines. I was starting her passport paperwork and things were very positive to her outcome. The issue hindered on the size and volume of womb and amniotic fluid. It was so full I had constant contractions and could not feel her move and keep check on her well being doing kick counts everyday. I was in doing ultrasound and stress tests every day. Every time all was well. We all became complacent. I went on a Saturday evening they monitored her for hours and were on the boarder as to how well she seemed to be moving within the allotted time. They thought she made enough movements that her health was good for 72 hours and scheduled me very early Monday for an ultrasound with my specialist. Late Saturday evening a horrible storm, hurricane raged outside and on Sunday.I felt something was not right but tried to keep from being paranoid as I went for an ultrasound almost EVERY NIGHT. Trees were bending over and a block walk in wind and rain on Sunday on my paranoid feelings was not practical so I pushed it aside. The only time I did. Monday I got up early and felt my stomach looked different as I got ready. I stopped and ate as instructed to get her moving. Then headed up to the clinic. They get me in bed for the first part, the stress test and the nurse keeps searching for heartbeat. Finally I hear one and sigh inside relieved, the nurse comments that is fast but it is yours and keeps searching. She wipes my stomach and says she will be right back and gets another attending Dr. I have seen in past. He searches and searches. Then says come on were going to the super ultrasound machine. This one could take babies foot prints. The nurse looks at me,hands me towel and says THIS IS FOR YOUR TEARS. I was stunned silent took the towel, walked to next room where my specialists was talking with a group. I walked in and stopped. Dr. Boley looked attending and he shook his head no. Major Boley face was crest fallen as he looked at me. We joined in middle of room. I do not know how long I cried or how I was led to other machine. I remember them looking at her saying her lungs had fluid in them and she had passed as little as 12 hours ago. Most likely from excessive fluid. They thought the womb was safest place as long as possible but we pushed too long the amount of time it was a healthy environment. I always wonder if I HAD just gone that SUNDAY evening, the ONLY evening I never went, even though they reassured me I was good till Monday. I should have listened to what my body was telling me. Tony stayed with me for weeks at Bethesda but another story lies here with Germany wanting us back and Maryland saying I couldnt. Tony ended going back two weeks before Cassandra passed. Major Boley called Tony at home explained what happened got him on plane back and he made it in time to be there for her birth and arrange her cremation with help of Col. Ransom and to get back to Germany. It is something I hope no parent ever goes through. Cassandra was 36 weeks and 6 days when she was born still.