Parents faced with an unimaginable decision made the heartbreaking call to stop CPR on their 14-month-old child. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Morgan Christofferson shares the emotional journey of their family as they navigated the complexities of dealing with their son, Soren’s congenital heart defect.
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Morgan and her husband Cody Christofferson found out about the heart condition during a routine ultrasound at 20 weeks of pregnancy. Soren, born on Feb 7, 2022, surprised everyone by breathing on his own despite his critical condition. However, his battle was far from over as he underwent reconstructive surgery and multiple procedures to address his complex heart issues.
Despite Soren’s initial progress, his health took a turn for the worse at 12 months old when he experienced heart failure. The couple rushed him to the hospital where he underwent various tests and required life-support treatments. Tragically, on Easter Sunday 2023, they faced every parent’s worst nightmare as they had to make the ultimate decision to stop CPR on their beloved son.
Since Soren’s passing, the Christoffersons have found ways to honour his memory, including starting a memorial garden and purchasing land in his name. They have sought therapy and support to cope with their grief while continuing to cherish the time they had with their son.
Dealing with profound loss, Morgan articulates the ongoing struggles of being a parent amidst grief, wondering how to include Soren in conversations about their children and grappling with the bittersweet moments of watching their other children grow while remembering the milestones Soren will never reach.
Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength that families can find in the face of adversity. The Christoffersons continue to honour Soren’s legacy, believing that his brief but impactful presence in their lives has deepened their capacity to love and appreciate each moment they share with their children.
As they prepare to welcome a fourth child into their family, the Christoffersons hold onto the memories of their son, forever 14 months old, as a beacon of love and inspiration in their lives. Their journey towards healing and remembrance stands as a testament to the enduring bond between parents and their children, even in the face of heartbreaking loss.