‘99 Balloons’ video a tribute to son’s short life
June 24th, 2009
From the Today Show, with video:
Ginny and Matt Mooney learned before birth that their son Eliot would be born with a rare genetic syndrome called Trisomy 18. Doctors told them that if their son lived through childbirth, he would probably not survive more than a few weeks. They decided to document and celebrate their son’s short life, producing a powerful video that has garnered millions of views on Youtube.
Eliot lived 99 days; at his funeral, friends and family released one balloon for each day he lived.
The Mooneys have since had a daughter, Hazel. They say they cherish the time they spent with their son, and that his life has changed them for the better.
More info on Trisomy 18 at the Trisomy 18 Foundation.
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on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 9:52 am and is filed under NOT2BEMISSED, first-person, genetics, personal stories, prenatal diagnosis, trisomy 18, video.
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June 26th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
wow this video made me show how thankful I am and it really touched my heart. I am truely sorry about eliot and he is in a better place now, and I wish you the best, god bless you.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I watched 99 Balloons shortly after Eliot passed away and was amazed at the strength of this beautiful couple. The love Eliot’s parents had for him is palpable through this video and is conveyed with such sweetness and joy. They rallied to every challenge and relished every day they shared with their precious son. Their story is a wonderful example of unconditional love and acceptance all parents can learn from. Congratulations to the Mooneys on the birth of their daughter Hazel!