Devon Stants

Devon Richard Stants 

May 16 1998 - June 23 1999

Age: 13 months old 

In July 1998, Devon's mother Laura realised that Devon wasn't lifting his head up. She called the doctor and they said that if he lifted his head up by himself then he was okay. In August 1998, Laura called them again because she was still concerned that Devon wasn't doing this. They called her a over-worried mother and told her Devon would learn to lift his head up when he was ready.

Still not satisfied, Laura brought three month old Devon into the doctors. When he was seen, the doctor pulled his arms up and dropped them, over and over, and same with the legs. He said "Something is wrong.  His muscle tone is all wrong, we need to run some tests." Laura replied "for what?" The doctor replied, "He probably has Muscular Dystrophy or some other form of neuromuscular disease. "

That day, three month old Devon was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). His parents, Steve and Laura, were absolutely heartbroken.

Over the next few months, Devon stopped eating. He had to have a g-tube put in place to help him stay healthy. Devon also would not move when he was put on the ground, which is unusual for babies because they kick their legs and wiggle. Devon also had a CT Scan for Cerebral Palsy, however that test came back negative.

Little Devon battled this horrible disease, which has no cure, for ten months. His family slowly watched as Devon's innocent body slowly shut down.

On June 22 1999, Devon woke up grey and his eyes would no focus. He was taken hospital where the doctor softly told Steve and Laura "I'm afraid it's time to let Devon go" The next day, baby Devon passed away in his mother's arms. With his father holding his hand. He looked calm and peaceful.