The devastating loss of a child is a pain no parent should endure. Morgan and Cody Christofferson faced this unimaginable heartbreak when their 14-month-old son, Soren, passed away after a courageous battle with a congenital heart defect. In an exclusive interview, Morgan bravely shares their story, offering a poignant glimpse into Soren’s life, the difficult decisions they made, and their journey through grief. This story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing every precious moment.
A Journey Filled with Hope and Heartache: Soren’s Fight for Life
Morgan’s pregnancy with Soren began with joy and anticipation. Early ultrasounds revealed a strong heartbeat, filling the expecting parents with hope. However, a routine 20-week ultrasound brought their world crashing down. Doctors discovered a severe heart defect, Pulmonary Atresia with VSD and MAPCAs, meaning Soren’s pulmonary artery, responsible for carrying blood to the lungs for oxygenation, had not formed. He also had a hole in his heart and extra arteries compensating for the missing pulmonary artery. Despite the grim prognosis and the constant reminder that they might not bring their baby home, Morgan and Cody held onto hope.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(764×222:766×224)/Morgan-Christofferson-and-husband-Cody-Christofferson-Family-Tout-111824-5098723db75b4c29933ffbc88043b77c.jpg)
Soren defied the odds, entering the world breathing on his own on February 7, 2022. Although his heart was compromised, he was otherwise healthy. After two weeks in the hospital, Soren went home, his life a delicate balance of routine checkups and unwavering parental love. Reaching the six-month milestone was a victory, allowing Soren to undergo reconstructive heart surgery. The surgery was successful, giving the family a brief respite and renewed hope.
A Relapse and the Unthinkable Decision
Soren thrived for six months following the surgery, hitting developmental milestones and bringing immense joy to his family. But at 12 months old, his progress slowed, and worrisome signs reappeared. Swollen extremities and a concerning bluish tint to his hands and feet led to another hospitalization. Tests revealed complete right-sided heart failure, requiring a heart catheterization for a closer examination. During the procedure, tragedy struck. Soren went into cardiac arrest. Doctors performed CPR and placed him on ECMO, a life support system that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/Morgan-Christofferson-Cody-Christofferson-Kids-111824-0287678de6924a3e9381ba90dc11bc20.jpg)
For 21 agonizing days, Soren remained on ECMO. He underwent open-heart surgery, and for a while, showed signs of improvement. But on Easter Sunday 2023, a devastating phone call shattered their fragile peace. Soren had coded again. While doctors revived him, they asked Morgan and Cody the unthinkable: if it happened again, should they continue CPR? The weight of this decision fell upon them as they watched their son fight for his life. After witnessing another code, they made the heartbreaking choice to let Soren go peacefully.
Honoring Soren’s Memory and Finding Strength in Love
In the aftermath of Soren’s death, Morgan and Cody have sought healing and found ways to keep his memory alive. Therapy, a memorial garden, and communication with a psychic medium have offered comfort and guidance. The purchase of adjoining land, named Soaring Acres in Soren’s honor, provides a tangible reminder of his enduring spirit. The arrival of their daughter, Rowen, three months after Soren’s passing, has brought a new dimension of love and healing to their family.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Morgan-Christofferson-and-Cody-Christofferson-Kids-111424-67e6c233a23f4432b2864d15b7cf3a86.jpg)
Navigating grief while raising a family presents unique challenges. Morgan openly shares her struggles with seemingly simple questions like “How many children do you have?”, acknowledging the complexities of including Soren in their family narrative. The pain of watching Rowen reach milestones that Soren will never experience is a constant reminder of their loss. As they prepare to welcome another child, Morgan and Cody believe that Soren’s purpose was to teach them the depths of love, a lesson that continues to shape their lives. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable loss and a reminder to cherish every precious moment with loved ones. It is a story of heartbreak, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a little boy who touched the hearts of all who knew him.
