Welcome to WATWB #21, a monthly celebration of positive news stories that show compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Sharing these stories increases our awareness of hope.
My offering this month is a story that moved me in powerful ways I cannot explain. It starts with a young couple expecting a baby. In her 18th week of pregnancy, Krysta Davis found out the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with anencephaly, “a fatal neurological defect that occurs when parts of the brain and skull are missing. In most cases, babies diagnosed with it live between a few minutes and a few days.”
A doctor told Krysta that if she decided to go full term with the pregnancy, they could donate baby Rylei’s organs to help other babies.
In Krysta’s words:
“Derek and I looked at each other and knew what we were going to do. I may have not been able to take my baby home, but I could maybe use her life to give other mothers the chance to.”
You can find more #WATWB stories on the Facebook page.
Our cohosts for this month are: Inderpreet Uppal, Shilpa Garg, Sylvia McGrath , Peter Nena, Belinda WitzenHausen. Please link to them in your WATWB posts and go say hi!
Anything is Possible! 
February 22, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Great story!
February 22, 2019 at 4:22 pm
It really pulled at my heart strings.
February 22, 2019 at 6:28 pm
A powerful story, indeed, JoAnna.
February 22, 2019 at 8:50 pm
It wouldn’t let me go without sharing it. Thanks for reading, Rosaliene.
February 23, 2019 at 7:10 am
What a shining light these parents are in their unselfish love of their unborn to give other parents new hope for their children.. A powerful story and message for us all… ❤
Sending much love your way JoAnna.. ❤
February 23, 2019 at 10:10 am
Thank you for illuminating their story so well, Sue. Your love is much appreciated. Much love to you too. I hope you enjoy your day. ❤
February 23, 2019 at 11:57 am
I did, and you too ❤
February 23, 2019 at 11:59 am
A precious and powerful story – thank you for sharing.
February 23, 2019 at 2:33 pm
Thank you for reading and appreciating it!
February 23, 2019 at 9:00 pm
I cried at this story. What a precious and brave choice Krysta and Derek made. It is definitely a touching and beautiful testament to Rylie’s short life.
February 23, 2019 at 9:13 pm
I’m moved at how you appreciate the story. Krysta and Derek are among the many young people who give me hope. The love they gave Rylie sure tugged at my heart.
February 24, 2019 at 8:06 am
To carry a pregnancy for nine months knowing that you’ll never keep the baby, that its organs will be donated to save others! That is so brave and selfless of Krysta and Derek! Thank you for sharing this story, JoAnna. I’m co-hosting this month.
February 24, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Thank you for clarifying their bravery and selflessness, Peter. And thank you for co-hosting.
February 24, 2019 at 12:24 pm
JoAnna, thanks for sharing this incredible story, so filled with love and caring. There is a lot of courage to make such a decision but it shows that going with your conviction is right. Krysta and Derek are bound with even stronger bonds of love and little Rylei got to be loved for a week.
No one can read this without feeling tears well up.
miriam
February 24, 2019 at 7:18 pm
Very true! A week of love is still love , and love never dies. Thank you.
February 25, 2019 at 10:09 am
Hi JoAnna – what a wonderful story … such generosity of spirit with that delight of the newborn lovely to behold. They are such brave youngsters and I loved the fact that Clarissa has helped them with photos – so they will be able to remember together. Quite uplifting for us all – sad, but knowing acceptance was there … makes it so so human – love is, just love is – cheers Hilary
February 25, 2019 at 11:02 pm
Thank you for these wise observations, Hilary. You’ve reminded me, like the story, that we can be sad and loving, sad and strong, at the same time, and it is all worthwhile. Love lifts us.
February 26, 2019 at 2:50 am
thanks JoAnna – life among death – the parents were incredibly brave and Rylei looks too dear when newly born. Her spirit will surely live on –
February 26, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Yes, her spirit is strong! Thank you for that realization!
February 26, 2019 at 5:49 am
Should I call it a coincidence that we both chose this for our WATWB stories of the month, or is it something more powerful than a coincidence?
February 26, 2019 at 8:38 pm
It’s definitely a story that wants and needs to be told! Maybe Rylei wants us to tell her story. You did a beautiful job with it.
February 27, 2019 at 4:44 pm
Wow beautiful in did we are the world, how are you and your beautiful family?
February 27, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Thank you, Raymond for appreciating this story. We are well.
February 27, 2019 at 7:22 pm
We thanks God, please where do you live?
February 28, 2019 at 10:41 am
In the US. I can’t seem to click on your profile.
February 28, 2019 at 10:53 am
Oh sorry, Well am new to all this internet stuff and has only on the world press for 2days now ,so I don’t know anything here,am passing through people post and profile and I came across your awesome post,
I also live in South Carolina, which state are you living in?
February 28, 2019 at 5:12 pm
I live in NC. Good luck!
February 28, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Oh ok,am also from SC ,are you originally from USA and have you come to SC before?
February 28, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Yes to both! My husband proposed to me at Brookgreen Gardens, SC.
February 28, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Oh ok the same here, can we be best friend?
March 1, 2019 at 9:58 am
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Hugs…
March 1, 2019 at 8:56 pm
A very insightful description, Chandra. Thank you. Hugs to you.
March 6, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Hugs right back…
March 4, 2019 at 12:45 pm
That is an incredible story of love and sacrifice. God bless the family. Thank you for sharing. #WATWB
March 5, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Thank you for reading and adding your blessings for them.