Lexington family gives back to KCH after heartbreaking loss

When Brandon and Jill Embry of Lexington found out they were expecting their second child in January 2017, they were thrilled. Already parents to 9-month-old Silas, they loved the idea of their children being so close in age.

As with many pregnancies, there were a few bumps, but the baby's development was on track and genetic testing came back normal. Brandon and Jill decorated the nursery in anticipation for the arrival of a baby girl, whom they would call Claire. But at 20 weeks, during what was supposed to be a routine ultrasound, doctors discovered a significant birth defect.

Countless more tests and appointments at Kentucky Children's Hospital and Cincinnati Children's Hospital revealed a heartbreaking truth: Claire was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, a complex series of life-threatening birth defects that affects a number of systems in the body.

Finding peace in their decision

This was devastating news for the Embrys, and they faced a difficult decision. Would Claire's new life be a series of surgeries and hospital stays to abate her condition and sustain her life, or would they let her live peacefully with her parents and brother as long as she could?

After prayer, deliberation and conferring with Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale and the palliative care team at KCH, the Embrys chose the latter. Claire lived just nine hours and passed away in her mother's arms.

"Sometimes after they're born, you don't have all the information you need to make decisions," said Brandon. "If we had intervened with Claire, we might have regretted that. We wouldn't have been able to hold her or spend time with her. She would have suffered, and it would have been all for naught."

The Embrys appreciate Ragsdale for her advice and support during the most difficult time in their lives.

"She didn't tell us what direction to take, but based on her advice, we feel like we made the right decision. In a situation like that, the decision can be so overwhelming, you need someone looking in who you trust."

Brandon and Jill wanted to find a way to support Ragsdale and her team while honoring Claire's memory. Brandon had the idea of doing a memorial bike ride to raise a little money to support Ragsdale's work at KCH. Brandon had originally envisioned a ride with some friends, but with the support of the Bluegrass Cycling Club, he formed the nonprofit Foundation for Claire, and an official event, Ride for Claire, was set.

"After Claire had passed and we had time to process it, we realized that her team played a big role in making that as good as it could possibly be," said Brandon. "So we wanted to do something to repay them and thank them. Initially it was a fundraising effort for people to give to a memorial fund or give to KCH. I wanted to ride to honor my daughter."

An incredible response

On September 8, 2018, the day after what would have been Claire's first birthday, 110 riders came together for a ride through Lexington's scenic backroads. Brandon and Jill were stunned by the response. They raised $15,000 for the palliative care team at KCH.

"We wanted to raise money for Lindsay so that she could have the resources she needs to help other families," said Brandon. "She's great at what she does. She was able to see into our situation and give insight."

The money raised by the Embrys will go toward the purchase of genetic testing equipment for KCH to help families diagnose birth defects and determine the risk of re-occurrence of birth defects in future pregnancies.

With the success of the inaugural Ride for Claire, the Embrys are planning the next ride to celebrate what would have been Claire's second birthday. But first, they have another event to celebrate: the birth of their third child, Samuel, on January 3, 2019.

Click here to find out more about the Claire Foundation.