Dio

Sometimes blogging has its downfalls… I compare myself to other writers all the time and then hate everything I’ve ever written, I wonder how many people think what I write is BS, I wonder why I didn’t think of that first…

Then there are lives that you get to touch. Sometimes they’re for a long time- friendships that happen through long distance phone calls to Canada or trips to northern Rhode Island to meet a new family. Other friendships are forever, with interludes of heartbreak. Some people I will never meet. Others keep in touch.

Then there are lives that not only touch, but change me. People who have reached out to me, asked for all the ins and outs and I’ve given them all I can. I can’t wait to guide them, and learn from them, too. I got that connection from a woman named Nicole. After her prenatal diagnosis of dwarfism, she found me through the blog and contacted me.

Immediately we had a bond. Whether it was the diagnosis, the fact that we would both have girls, music- whatever it was- I felt very close to her. In my last email to her I remember wishing her well on her c-section and telling her I could not wait to see pictures.

This is Dio.

She was born with Osteogenesis Imperfectia, or OI. Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.” Anywhere from 25,000-50,000 people have the condition in the US- the number varying so much because sometimes it goes undiagnosed. Other times, it proves fatal.

Dio Loren lived for 10 days.

I will share the story directly from THIS article:

Dio Loren Hutto Coglianese entered this world on May 31, 2013. She was a beautiful little girl who was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.” Little Dio had Type II, the most severe type. Characterized by underdeveloped lungs, and bones that are fragile to the touch, it is a very painful and usually lethal disease. Almost every bone in little Dio’s body was fractured multiple times before she was even born. Most children don’t survive the birthing process, yet this little girl fought to stick around. She was tough. She fought for her life until June 10, 2013, when she decided it was time to move on. Since Dio’s prognosis was fatal, her parents, Nicole Coglianese and Jason Hutto, wanted to spend all of their time at their little girl’s bedside while they could. Neither of them would have had it any other way because the joy they experienced in being with Dio was priceless. They did not work during this difficult time which has been tough financially. At this time, they believe all of Dio’s medical expenses will be covered. However, living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation add up quickly when you are not working. Then, there is the expense of properly saying goodbye to Dio and additional time taken off of work to grieve their loss.

Family and friends have asked, “What can I do to help?” First and foremost, Nicole and Jason will take comfort in seeing your words of love and support. Second, it would be an immense help if they did not have the added pressure of having to worry about how they are going to survive financially while they are still grieving the loss of Dio. Nicole and Jason would greatly appreciate your donations to help them do this. Please donate what you can, no matter how small. Every little bit will help.

Please keep Dio, Nicole, and Jason in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for your help and support.

The Coglianese Family

When I think of all Nicole and Jason endured, I weep.
No one should have to bury their child.