Sondra Williams, the wife of San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, announced Monday that their son Trenton Jr. was born silently on November 24th. In an emotional Instagram post, Sondra Williams explained that Trenton Jr. gave birth silently 35 weeks into her pregnancy. The couple had previously lost Trenton Junior’s twin.
“I thank God for giving us the opportunity to bond with him for 35 weeks and for allowing me to bring him into the world to hold him in my arms,” Sondra Williams wrote. “I am at peace because I know you will never have to suffer.”
Diagnosis of trisomy 13: a difficult fate
Trenton Jr. was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, also known as Patau Syndrome. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is a chromosomal disorder in which three copies of chromosome 13 are present in the body’s cells instead of the usual two. This anomaly leads to severe mental disabilities and numerous physical abnormalities. The Cleveland Clinic explains that the symptoms of trisomy 13 are life-threatening and many cases result in miscarriage or death of the child before the child’s first birthday.
Williams is supported by the team
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Monday afternoon that Trent Williams, who missed recent games with a left ankle injury, spent much of last week grieving the loss of his son. “It’s something that happened last week and he was at the hospital with her to meet him and say goodbye,” Shanahan said. “On Friday he had to have him cremated. He’s processing it all and we’re trying to be there for him.”
Williams is the second 49ers player this season to cope with the loss of a child. Cornerback Charvarius Ward announced the death of his 1-year-old daughter Amani Joy on Oct. 29 after suffering from heart problems. Ward sat out the following three games but returned to the field on Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills.
Community in difficult times
During a conference call Monday, Shanahan appeared emotional as he discussed Williams’ situation. He emphasized that the 49ers will do everything they can to support Williams and his family during this difficult time, just as they did for Ward and his family. “It’s tough as a coach,” Shanahan said. “It’s hard as a friend, it’s hard as a family member. It’s hard for everyone. But we spend a lot of time together. That’s the beauty of a football team. No matter whether times are good or bad, we go through them together.”
Shanahan added that it can be a relief for players to be on the football field and surrounded by their teammates. “You can never completely escape the grief, but I think it’s nice for the guys to have another opportunity to go on the field and surround themselves with teammates.”
