Kalyn Michael Ford remembered after passing away in Gold Coast Hospital

A young couple had to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off their newborn’s life support, just hours after he opened his eyes for the first time.

Kieran and Alexis Ford on their wedding day. Picture: Supplied

A young couple is reeling from the agony of having to turn off their baby boy’s life support just hours after he opened his eyes in Gold Coast Hospital.

Matthew Ford, 27, created a GoFundMe page for his brother Kieran Ford, 25 and his brother’s wife Alexis Ford, 23, after the loss of their first child.

After finally finding a rental home in Beaudesert in October last year following months of searching, Kieran was involved in an accident forcing him to step back from his job.

Alexis, a nurse, and Kieran, a turf laying business owner, originally from the Gold Coast, have been together for almost two years.

They married on November last year after a whirlwind romance and a stunning proposal and planned pregnancy.

Kieran and Alexis Ford on their wedding day, with baby Kalyn on the way. Picture: Supplied

Two weeks later Kieran badly fractured his shoulder and then, at just 25 weeks pregnant, Alexis’ waters unexpectedly broke.

“They were told the baby could come at any time from then,” Matthew Ford said.

“A week after this, Alexis began to bleed but the baby was still safe.”

Alexis was in nearly complete bed rest in hospital for six weeks.

“With Kieran never leaving her side, as the baby could come at any moment,” Mr Ford said.

“During these six weeks Alexis contracted Covid-19 in the hospital.

“She was isolated in a hospital room and not allowed to leave.”

Over the new year Alexis was in severe pains and by January 14 doctors became involved.

“Doctors came in, did a few checks and realised the placenta was pulling away and she was rushed down for an emergency cat1 caesarean section,” Mr Ford said.

Kieran and Alexis Ford holding their baby in hospital. Picture: Supplied

Alexis gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Kalyn Michael Ford on January 15, at 2.55am.

“They are huge North Queensland Cowboys fans and that’s where Kalyn Ponga started his rugby league career, so the name was fitting,” Mr Ford said.

“When he was born Kalyn’s heart was strong.

“But due to other medical issues, his heart that brought him into this world unfortunately couldn’t keep him here.”

The couple was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to end Kalyn’s suffering and consented to his life support being turned off.

He passed away peacefully at 8.41am that morning, nestled on his brave mum’s chest and with Kieren by their side.

“We were able to hold his hand and he gave us a squeeze and looked us in the eyes,” Kieran Ford said.

“These precious moments we will cherish forever.

“He took his last breath on his mum’s chest while I held them both closely.

“It’s an extremely hard time for us. We are taking our time with all of this. As first time parents this is not the outcome we envisioned for our lives.

“Rest in peace Kalyn Michael Ford.”

Matthew Ford said the couple was devastated and had hardly left their house since the birth.

“It’s been tough for them to even just be around people… they’re trying to slowly get back to normal,” Mr Ford said.

“They are two of the most caring people I know. Alexis has time for everyone and Kieran just wants to make everyone happy and is always helping out.

“They’ve had no income since Alexis was first admitted to the hospital.

“They have had to pay rent and other bills, plus buying items for a nursery… and now they must fund the funeral for their little angel Kalyn.

“It’s going to be a tough road ahead of them to get back to some sort of normality, we just don’t want them to have to rush the grieving process.

“Any donation would be a massive help in their time of need.”

You can donate to the family here.

A funeral is being held soon and loved ones have been encouraged to wear colour to celebrate baby Kalyn.