Little Eriana Reiland knows of her older sister, Briley, but the two have never met. All the younger sibling knows of Briley are the stories her mother tells her, and the photos adorning areas across their home.
Briley Mae Reiland was born on July 28, 2018, at 11:38 a.m. to Benita Gallagher and Gregory Reiland. What should have been a fully joyous moment was suddenly injected with panic as the newborn wasn’t crying.
The baby was immediately whisked away to the NICU. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, and both valves of her heart were leaking.
Marfan is a connective tissue disorder with varying levels of severity. Symptoms of the disease also vary case-by-case. Some people with this disease have very long fingers and toes, longer limbs, suffer from scoliosis, and endure complications related to heart and lung functions.
The term neonatal Marfan syndrome is used for children who have severe cardiovascular symptoms and acute Marfan traits very early in infancy. It also progresses quickly, delivering serious threats to the heart, lungs, and airways.
The next six months of Briley’s life would be filled by frequent hospital visits due to her heart issues and complications affecting her breathing.
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While panicked and emotional, Benita and Gregory remained strong together, supporting their tiny daughter through every challenge and emergency. The couple held Briley close and told her over and over again how much they loved her.
It wasn’t always doom and gloom. They also had joyful days and enjoyed the warmth their baby exhibited.
“Briley was always a happy baby,” Benita said. “She loved her sleep and loved being the center of attention.”
“She kept everyone on their toes,” Benita continued. “Briley surprised a lot of doctors and nurses and was stronger than most people thought she was. She loved bath time and had so much sass and personality.”
Young Briley continued to fight the good fight for her life … but ultimately lost that battle as her heart gave up on February 9, 2019. She died while surrounded by family and loved ones.
The once sassy, happy baby was now still, having gone home to the Lord.
But although her life was so short and featured plenty of suffering, it was not without value. And even if Benita had been able to foresee what was in store, she would not have ended the pregnancy through abortion.
Because although she only lived for such a brief time, Briley Mae Reiland mattered. And she still does.
Killing Briley before her birth would never have been the path to take for her parents.
“Healthy or not healthy, Briley will always be my first child,” Benita said.
“I only wish I knew what she had beforehand to give me enough time to do more research and get more help, especially with doctors and specialists,” said Benita. “I just wish I was more prepared. I would NEVER change Briley. She was perfect in our eyes!”
on Briley's birthday
And despite her enduring grief, Briley’s mom remains forever grateful to have had her little girl, who still beamed around her parents — despite her ongoing health challenges.
“Briley has inspired so many people in this world,” Benita said. “Her amazing story and time on Earth have really opened a lot of people’s eyes on how short life can be. So many people have reached out to me because of her beautiful story.”
“She taught me how to be an amazing mom and taught me to be the biggest advocate,” Benita continued. “Briley also taught her doctors more about taking care of kids with neonatal Marfan, and the fundraising I do in her name every year goes to research and programming to help other kids like her.”
In short, the world is a better place for Briley having lived — even if was a brief time.
Today, Benita and Gregory continue every effort to keep Briley’s memory alive.
“I love talking about Briley,” Benita said. “Some people probably get tired of me talking about her, or constantly bringing up everything she went through and all the fights she put up with.”
While some have tried to get Benita to “move on,” any parent knows that is an impossible request.
“For as long as we live, we will always continue to celebrate the life of Briley — especially on her birthday,” she said, adding that there is a beautiful garden in their backyard in honor of their little one.
Benita and Gregory also want to start a foundation in Briley’s name to help other families dealing with babies in the PICU/NICU. They would like a bench in a picturesque park to stand in their daughter’s memory as well.
While Benita seeks support to accomplish these important goals, she explains how there is another important way to also keep Briley’s memory alive and well; through Briley’s little sister Eriana, born after Briley passed away.
“Before Eriana could even talk or even crawl, she knew exactly who her big sister Briley was,” Benita said. “Before we even explained to her who Briley was and what happened, Eriana knew and every day she will walk up to
Briley’s pictures and just wave and talk. It just makes my day!"
Benita said that despite all the hardships, Briley never gave up.
“Heaven just needed her more,” she said.
The world needs Briley too. It needs her story to remind everyone how important every child is, no matter the circumstances.
Every young life has value, is worthy of love, and can leave a lasting impact.
Benita Gallagher has learned that in the most profound way. And now she is ready to help others. Connect with her on Instagram at @benitagallagher.
