MEET THE HODGE FAMILY

Justin and Loni Hodge were married in 2007 and began trying to start a family the following year. We were overjoyed when we learned we were expecting our first child, due on May 6, 2009. However, the pregnancy took a tragic turn at 20 weeks when we were informed that our daughter, Maddox Elise, had a fatal condition known as Triploidy. Given the rarity of her diagnosis, Maddie was not expected to survive to term. Despite the prognosis, I (Loni) was able to carry Maddox Elise for eight more weeks before she was stillborn on February 19, 2009.

In the weeks following Maddox Elise's passing, I was introduced to The Amelia Center, where I began receiving free grief counseling. With God's grace, love, and peace, along with the support from our families, friends, and The Amelia Center, we have transformed Maddox Elise's death into an opportunity to help others facing similar situations.

We have since been blessed with three wonderful children: Hudson, born on September 21, 2010; Colton, born on June 5, 2014; and Marlee, born on August 7, 2015. While we may not always understand God's plans for us, His promises assure us that He will never leave us and will guide us through life's storms. Although we deeply miss Maddie, we find comfort in the promise that one day, as a family of six, we will be reunited with Maddox Elise in heaven.