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Tragic loss brings outpouring of love

Tragedy
baby death
Malissa Arkinstall holds her newborn baby Phoenix Ori Arkinstall Saarinen, who passed away almost four hours after he was born on Feb. 29.

A tragic loss has brought with it an outpouring of love that has brightened what have been incredibly dark days for one local family.

Elijah Saarinen and Malissa Arkinstall welcomed their beautiful eight-pound baby boy Phoenix Ori Arkinstall Saarinen to the world on Feb. 29 at 6:15 a.m., but he struggled to breathe on his own. 

“My son fought hard to stay in this world but after three hours of help and support from the angels, doctors and nurses, he chose to fly free,” Arkinstall said.

“My son Phoenix died peacefully in my arms at 10 a.m.”

Following the tragedy, Arkinstall’s friends rallied around her, organizing weeks of meals to be brought to her family, which includes her six-year-old daughter Roseaura.

One friend, Courtney Munson, set up a GoFundMe page titled “Family’s Heartbreaking Loss” for the grieving family.

On the GoFundMe page Munson wrote: “This sudden loss has understandably devastated the family and close friends and, though we can offer support both emotionally and physically, we hope to do more.”

At press time nearly $9,000 had been raised through the GoFundMe page. It’s hoped the money will give Arkinstall time to grieve and heal without the added pressure of needing to get back to work.

Arkinstall said the fund will “help give me time to figure out what I’m going to do as I’ve been working at the hospital for over eight years caring for the sick and passing elderly and feel I can no longer do such work since the trauma of Phoenix’s passing.”

She said she had a healthy pregnancy and never expected the tragedy that unfolded on Feb. 29.

“Since the loss of my baby boy our lives have hit a brick wall. Everything has changed. Nothing is OK for me yet all the love and support from friends and family near and far has filled me with such deep gratitude. I am humbled by the grace and compassion of this community,” Arkinstall said.

“To all that have shown love through any way they could and continue to, my deepest and truest gratitude and heartfelt thanks. My life has changed forever and without each of you I could not see the light to get me through.”

Arkinstall said she’s been particularly blessed by Munson who’s “truly been my rock and her family my safe fortress during my time of greatest need.”

If you would like to help you can donate online at https://www.gofundme.com/fbsk4e98.