It means so much to us to be able to say that Saoirse spent every Christmas of her short life at home with us. We will cherish those memories forever." - Jason & Naomi, Saoirse’s parents.
Saoirse’s Beginning
Saoirse was born on the spring equinox, March 21st. She arrived dramatically at 5am, after an emergency C-section in Drogheda. For six weeks, we had unbridled joy. Then came the warning signs.
She was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called lissencephaly, which means “smooth brain.” It was devastating news. We knew there would be no fairytale ending.
Her first year was tough. Her second year was even tougher. At one point, she was averaging 400 seizures over three or four hours. We thought she wouldn’t see her first birthday. But we got almost seven years with her—a miracle we will never forget.
Finding LauraLynn
Caring for Saoirse was 24 hours a day. We were exhausted and overwhelmed. One of our outreach nurses suggested LauraLynn. At first, we resisted. We wanted to do it all ourselves. But eventually, we said yes—and it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
From the first night, we felt at ease. We knew Saoirse was in good hands. LauraLynn gave us confidence, rest, and the ability to function as a family. They pampered Saoirse and loved her like their own.
Precious Christmas Memories
We will never forget Saoirse’s first Christmas. She was so ill that we feared every Christmas might be her last. So we treated each one as precious. In the end, we got six magical Christmases with her. Those memories cancel out all the hard times.
When Fiadh was born, LauraLynn even arranged to take Saoirse for 12 days straight so we could adjust. They went above and beyond for us.
Saying Goodbye
Our beautiful Saoirse passed away a few months after her last Christmas, on March 13th—just eight days before her birthday. She left as dramatically as she came, completely unannounced.
When she passed, two nurses from LauraLynn arrived to comfort us. That gesture meant the world. LauraLynn isn’t just a service—they are family.
Why we are sharing our story
LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s hospice. They provide extraordinary care and support for families like ours. This story is our way of remembering Saoirse, saying thank you—and showing why your support matters so much.
