No parent is prepared to hear that their baby’s life will likely be far shorter than they imagined. For families walking through a life-limiting diagnosis, pregnancy can become a season of both deep sorrow and deep love.
In this episode, Kristin Hernandez is joined by Matt and Taylor Walker, Directors of Family Care at Abel Speaks, to talk about the unique challenges—and unexpected joys—of carrying a baby with a life-limiting diagnosis. Matt and Taylor share the story of their son, Copeland, who was diagnosed with trisomy 18 and lived for 55 precious minutes after birth.
They reflect on how God met them in their pain, what prayer looked like in that season, and how their faith was ultimately strengthened through their loss. They also offer practical wisdom for families preparing to welcome a child with a life-limiting diagnosis and share about their current work with Abel Speaks, a ministry that walks alongside parents navigating the same journey.
If you or someone you love is facing a prenatal diagnosis, this conversation offers compassion, encouragement, and the reminder that every life—no matter how brief—is deeply valuable and worthy of being cherished.
Matt and Taylor Walker live in Oklahoma with their two children, Vera (8) and Jack (4). Their middle child, Copeland, was born in 2019 and lived a brief but deeply impactful life with Trisomy 18. Together, Matt and Taylor serve as Directors of Family Care at Abel Speaks, where they count it a privilege to walk alongside families navigating the heartbreak of a life-limiting diagnosis.
Links:
Copeland's Story - Abel Speaks
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The Hope Mommies Podcast is a ministry of Hope Mommies, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists to bring bereaved families comfort, encouragement, and relational support as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter. The music used is Sparrow Song, courtesy of Katie Cobbs and Flourish Creative.
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