Elaina's Story

The Pallardy family found out they were pregnant with Elaina in April of 2022. Elaina immediately created so much excitement within their family. She was celebrated by Matt and Morgan as well as her big sister and brother. On July 19th, at a routine ultrasound with Maternal Fetal Medicine for Morgan's prenatal hypertension, her family was devastated to learn that Elaina had a Neural Tube Defect called Anencephaly. Anencephaly is a birth defect characterized by missing structures of the brain and skull. There is no treatment for Anencephaly and all medical care provided is typically for comfort purposes only. Babies with Anencephaly typically pass within days or weeks of birth if they survive in utero and throughout delivery. 

Processing the news of Elaina's diagnosis was difficult for Elaina's family. Family and close friends were notified and immediately there was an uptick in required doctors appointments. More than anything, there was a desire to find purpose in Elaina's short time on earth. In addition to this desire, her parents hoped to find a way to support one another in a positive and uplifting way throughout Elaina's life to not only help themselves but to also be there for their Elaina's brother and sister in a way that showed them the importance of positivity and strength when facing hard times. They wanted their children to be allowed to experience their true emotions while also trusting that God was making a way for their family to move through this heartbreak and trusting His plan for their family. 

Through their desire to find purpose in Elaina's life and positivity in their journey, Elaina's Light was created to help create hope through kindness in honor of Elaina Rose's sweet and beautiful life.