Corinne Elizabeth Shields

On August 10^th, 2018, Corinne Elizabeth Shields, passed away peacefully in her mom and dad’s arms at home. Corinne was ten months old.

Corinne is survived by her parents; her grandparents Susan (Vold) Lilly, Paul and Janet (Leicht) Shields, Byron and Andrea (Cole) Hoogwerf; her uncles Gabriel Shields and Joshua Lilly; her aunts Shelby Shields and Tiffany (Vandiver) Lilly; her cousins Alaina Bell-Clark, Jaden Lilly, and Jasmine Lilly. Corinne is preceded in death by her grandfather Ted Lilly, her uncle Scott Lilly, as well as a number of great-grandparents.

Corinne was born on October 1^st, 2017 at 6:19 PM in Carmel, IN to her parents Gareth Andrew Shields and Alysen Elizabeth Marie (Lilly) Shields. She weighed 6lb 12oz and was 19 ½ inches long. It was love at first sight as she quickly stole the hearts of her entire family. Corinne was fondly referred to as “Cori” and was known for her big blue eyes and her desire to be involved in anything and everything happening around her.

At one month of age, there were some signs that Cori might have a problem. We continued to work on activities for her low muscle tone and by two months old, we discussed starting to pursue testing and other therapies. While Cori was not meeting her physical developmental milestones, she was in fact tracking with her eyes and appropriately interacting mentally. Between the ages of 3-4 months, Cori started to have trouble eating and we noticed she was working harder to breathe. After ruling out an acute illness, Cori was admitted to IU Health Riley Hospital for Children on February 5^th, where she underwent a number of diagnostic tests. On February 13^th, she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. Our world was turned upside down. Our little superhero continued to fight on. Before we knew it, we were on our way to Chicago where we would be able to get Cori the medicine that she needed. While hopeful, we focused on one day at a time while Cori received a new medication and remained on respiratory support. Cori continued to fight with such resilience and strength, but we hurt as we watched her work so hard to breathe. After the initial doses of medication, we came back to Indianapolis. On May 18^th, we were finally able to bring our girl home! We made sure to enjoy every single day with Cori. This summer she got to take stroller rides with her parents and her dog Taco Bella. She got to experience trips to the beach, the pool, the zoo, and we have spent time almost every day outside enjoying the sunshine and the fresh air. Cori has spent lots of fun times with her grandparents, her aunts and uncles, and all of mommy and daddy’s friends who love her dearly. Even though respiratory complications from a genetic neuromuscular disorder prevented her from staying on this earth, we rejoice knowing she is in Heaven finally breathing easy. She is running, jumping, playing, and smiling. She is eating using her own hands and mouth. She is laughing and learning to talk in the arms of Jesus. It was a challenge to watch such a tiny, sweet soul have to work so hard every single day, but we are grateful for the time we got to spend with her. Cori knew she was loved, and with those big beautiful eyes, she loved everyone right back. She inspired her parents to be the best versions of themselves, and she captivated the hearts of anyone who cared for her.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Wednesday, August 15 from 3-6:30 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Geist, 7855 Cork Rd, Indianapolis. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 6:30 PM.

Since Corinne spent so much time in the hospital, we want to make sure we extend our gratitude to all of those who tirelessly contributed to her success.

To all of the doctors, residents, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers, case managers and support staff at IU Health Riley Hospital for Children:  thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for supporting us and taking such good care of Cori as we faced the unknown and grieved through processing the diagnosis and figuring out what to do next. Thank you for doing whatever it took to make sure she had the best care, including sending us to another hospital for treatment. Thank you for welcoming us back with open arms and celebrating with us as we got to finally take her home! We hope you each know how much you are truly appreciated.

To all of the doctors, advanced practice nurses, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, orthotics team, dieticians, social workers, case managers, Biogen family access manager, and volunteer and support staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago:  thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Being away from home was not something we wanted, but you all made it feel like home. Thank you for taking such incredible care of our little girl. Each one of you treated Cori with such love and kindness. We got to know so many of you through our stay, and all of you hold a special place in our hearts. We knew we spoiled Cori, but once each of you fell in love with her, we knew we were in trouble! Even though it hurts to think how much time of her short life was spent in a hospital, all of you made it bearable. You treated us like family. You laughed with us, cried with us, and we will forever cherish our time spent in Chicago with all of you. We miss all of you and think of you often. Thank you for your compassion, your dedication and your kindness. We knew it was something special at your hospital when—even though going home was all we ever wanted—we were sad to leave. Thank you again, and please know how much we love you guys. Thank you as well to the Ronald McDonald House Near Lurie Children’s for offering meals and a comfortable place for Gareth to rest. Your gift to humanity is tangible and empowers triumph through life’s most difficult trials.

To both of the Palliative Care Teams and to the Hospice Team, we wanted to extend another thank you. Both Palliative Care Teams at Riley and at Lurie went above and beyond for our family. We never imagined navigating through some of these awful decisions, but you helped to ease the pain every step of the way. Thank you for listening to us, for encouraging us and for supporting us no matter what. Thank you for always helping us put Cori first. Thank you to the Hospice Team who has been extremely helpful in keeping our girl comfortable. Thank you for all of the time you have dedicated to her care, and thank you for all you have done for us. You have helped us through the worst time in our life, and we can never thank you enough.

Lastly, thank you to our friends and family. We cannot make it through this difficult time without you. Thank you for your never-ending support, love and prayers. Thank you for checking in on us, sending us lots of goodies & meals, and most importantly, for loving Cori. Thank you to her grandparents who loved our baby more than we could have hoped for. Thank you for loving us and supporting us throughout this journey. Thank you to everyone who met her, made time to come see her, and for all of those who prayed for her. We hurt knowing she is gone after such a short stay, but we know she is with her Heavenly Father who loves her more than any of us ever could. Where words fail, we will just say thank you. We love you.

The family requests any gifts or donations to be directed to the following:

Cure SMA (www.curesma.org)

Ronald McDonald House Near Lurie Children’s (www.rmhccni.org/lurie-childrens-house/)

You may also choose to make a donation to a charity of your choice in Corinne’s name.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

“I lay me down I’m not my own

I belong to you alone

Lay me down, lay me down

Hand on my heart this much is true

There’s no life apart from you

Lay me down, lay me down

Lay me down, lay me down

It will be my joy to say Your will Your way

It will be my joy to say Your will Your way

It will be my joy to say Your will Your way always”