Precious Alexandra was born unexpectedly into her family and into this world on December 12, 1994. Weighing but three pounds, suffering a severe and rare genetic disease, with 12 fingers and 12 toes, her life spanned 40 difficult days; 28 in the hospital and 12 at home. During her short journey, Alexandra was loved and cherished by her protective but anxious family. In her last three days as she lay dying at home, she was swaddled by them in a circle of pure devotion. Though their hearts were ablaze with love for her, this experience was devastating. Over and above the excruciating pain of their loss, they felt complete isolation and abandonment during these desolate days, as Alex came home with minimal medical support. The days, and especially nights, caring for Alexandra were very painful, long, and terrifying.

The family’s experience with her life and death brought to the surface a hidden problem. Medicine, with its immense technical advancements, can diagnose fatal fetal defects very early in pregnancy. Often parents of gravely ill, unborn babies are alone in their grief, in their search for information, and their need for support. While hospice services exist for adults, it is limited for babies, especially those still in the womb, once parents decide to continue the pregnancy, despite its desperate outcome. Grieving families are unequipped to do this alone. Thus, April 28, 1997, as Jesus breathed His life into it, Alexandra’s House was born.