It was devastating news for T.K. and Deidrea Laux. Deidrea was just 20 weeks into her first pregnancy when doctors informed the couple that their unborn son had Patau syndrome, also known as trisomy 13. This is a very rare DNA abnormality.
Typically, infants with trisomy 13 don't make it pass the first days or weeks of life. Per Genetics Home Reference: "Only five percent to ten percent of children with this condition live past their first year."
T.K. and his wife were heartbroken, but instead of terminating the pregnancy, they chose to go forward with the pregnancy and deliver baby Thomas, knowing he may live for just a few hours.
They had no idea if their son will be alive for 11 minutes or 11 days. Deidra says, "In some ways I'm really excited because I get to see him, but in other ways terrible dread. He is in imminent danger when he leaves my womb."
In the months leading up to the due date, the couple was forced to pick out a casket for their unborn son - something that no parent should ever have to go through. Despite strangers asking about a baby shower, the couple instead needed to make other plans.
Deidrea says, "In some ways Thomas is fortunate because he won't experience a first broken heart. His dad won't spank him. He won't get grounded or picked on at school. The only thing he would know in this world is love."
Alas, there they were, perusing options at the mortuary. Five days after his birth, on July 4, 2008, Thomas passed away.
Why did this couple do it? Deidra says, "I can't imagine not taking this opportunity to love and get to know him."
After all the pain and suffering, the Lauxs found light at the end of the tunnel. In January of 2010, the couple welcomed a healthy daughter, baby Isabella, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Below, you can watch a video that chronicles T.K. and Diedrea's journey.