After Sydney Swans gun player Gary Rohan announced late last year that he and his wife Amie were expecting identical twin baby girls, the couple also confirmed that one of the twins suffered from a fatal birth defect known as anencephaly – where parts of the baby’s scalp, skull and brain doesn’t develop in the womb.
In a Instagram post, Gary explained that “these babies live from a few moments to a few hours after birth. Babies born with anencephaly are not compatible with life.”
It’s heartbreaking to know that a child you’re wanting so desperately to meet is not going to get the chance to meet you.
Amie was due to give birth in May but delivered them this week – the bubs were a little bit eager to get out – and the little angel who had developed the birth defect passed away not long after her birth.
During the pregnancy, both Amie and Gary were vocal on Instagram about their struggles with the diagnosis and encouraged other parents of babies born with anencephaly to reach out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb3mZ_IH6vj/
Gary has stepped back from the Swans’ clash against Western Bulldogs this weekend in Melbourne to spend time with Amie and their brand new little girl, and to understandably grieve the passing of her twin.
Returning to the field in Gary’s place is Aliir Aliir, who has shown fantastic improvement after injuring his ankle in the JLT Series pre-season league earlier this year.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Rohan family during this difficult time.
