Choosing Thomas -- Inside a family's decision to let their son live, if only for a brief time

Facing death can be hardest for a family expecting new life. Follow T.K. and Deidrea Lauxs journey after they learn that their unborn son has a genetic disorder called Trisomy 13. They hope the intimate look helps others understand and cope with infant loss.

http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2009/thomas/

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News & Politics

Tags:

• baby video
• dallasnews
• dallas morning news
• sonya hebert
• lee hancock
• choosing thomas
• palliative care
• hospice
• trisomy 13
• terminating pregnancy
• DNA
• birth defect
• genetic disorder
• perinatal hospice care

[googoodollsjohnny]

such a sad story, I agree with them, if only for a short while they got to hold that precious life, it was still five days, and I can't imagine the pain they went through, I know that if the decision ever faced me I would do the same, to be able to hang on to those sweet few days. And now Thomas is in a better place, better than any of us could imagine.

[mt12684]

i have never cried watching a youtube video before now! im a 27 year old guy and stumbled onto this somehow after watching f-22's take off all crazy. you both are incredable parents and i wish i never have to go through that. GOD BLESS YALL!!! Thomas was a gift and yall accepted him with open arms from the start to the end. he will always be your angle! RIP THOMAS

[Calleiah]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful son. He was precious and perfect.

[sikkmage81]

A pet is not your very own child, to the kid comparing it to a suffering pet.. I used to think i could terminate if my baby is terminal.. But now that im pregnant, and have seen and heard my baby's heart.. I could never let it go like a pet on its death bed.

[ThereseAnnM]

If you Google "Trisomy13archive" IMAGES you will find over 1000+ photos of families like the Lauxs who have experienced this life journey of HOPE, Joy and sadly sometimes Sorrow. Each with a heartwarming story of courage and LOVE.



[ToPCiTyzFiNeSt86]

U guys are a very brave couple idk if I cud of did this I cant imagine losing a kid :(...im happy u got time to b wit thomas but im sorry for ur loss...hope all is well with ur new babygirl thomas and your family will b in my prayers

[LuvsMyDoxies]

Brave...Beautiful and Amazing!

[nikisupernurse]

This memorial to your son was undoubtedly one of the most difficult, yet beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Rest in Peace Baby Thomas.

[jnk254]

The most moving memorial & beautiful tribute to your son. I am sobbing. Thomas was a handsome little man. Your choice was a courageous one, one I'd hope to have the courage to go through with should I ever experience this. I admire your strength in choosing this path. Thank you for sharing it. I'm going to go and give my son a tight hug in his bed, people don't realize their luck to be blessed with a healthy pregnancy & child. I hope your baby girl lights up your life, but Thomas will always be

[sunychica]

Although maybe not something I would likely choose to do, I was beyond amazed by the strength and hope this family has and their wish to give something, everything, and all they have to a being they created together. Gave me a new perspective. Thanks you. And congratulations regarding your daughter. She is fortunate to have such dedicated parents. If only all children could be so lucky!

[bones206]

Thank you for sharing this video and these precious days with Thomas.

[fontes0]

WOW THATS AN AMAZING STORY AND I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING I WAS TOLD MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING TO BE BORN WITH A CCAM AND SHE WOULD NOT LIVE HAD I BEEN SELFISH AND TAKEN THE EASY WAY OUT I WOULDNT HAVE MY BABY GIRL TODAY HEALTHY SHES NOW 4 YEARS OLD AND A TROOPER IF I HAD TERMINATED I WOULDNT HAVE HER AND EVEN IF IT WAS EVEN A SECOND THAT SHE WOULD HAVE LIVED THAT WAS A SECOND I COULDNT PASS UP