A Journey Through Grief and Recovery
Missy Bo Kearns, a 25-year-old international footballer for England and midfielder at Aston Villa, recently shared her harrowing experience of losing her baby and battling sepsis. Her story highlights the emotional and physical challenges she faced, as well as the importance of early medical intervention.
Kearns and her partner, Liam Walsh, who plays for Luton, announced their pregnancy on 1 March. However, just weeks later, they were devastated by the loss of their child. The ordeal took a severe toll on both her health and mental well-being.
A Critical Moment in the Hospital
Kearns described her experience with a sense of shock and disbelief. She initially thought her symptoms were just typical pregnancy discomforts. However, after experiencing what felt like flu-like symptoms, she was advised by the club doctor to seek medical attention. This decision proved to be life-saving.
“I was 42 degrees, but I was shaking. And the doctor said to me, ‘Where’s Liam?’ And I was like, ‘I’m not going back to the hospital. I literally went a few days ago. Everything’s fine. They told me everything’s fine.’ And she said, ‘Ring Liam.’ And I was like, ‘He’s had a night game. He’s still in bed.’”
Despite her reluctance, she eventually called Liam, and together they rushed to the hospital. There, they received the devastating news that they had lost their baby and that she had developed sepsis.
Understanding Sepsis and Its Dangers
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. It can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of the flu or a chest infection. For Kearns, the condition added another layer of trauma to her already painful experience.
She expressed her gratitude to the club doctor, Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein, for urging her to go to the hospital. “If I was at home that day, I probably would have rung my mum saying, ‘Oh, I feel a bit like flu-ish symptoms,’ and everyone would just say, ‘Have a sleep’ or whatnot.”
Coping with Loss and Trauma
Kearns spoke candidly about the emotional impact of her loss. She emphasized that the grief was different from what people might expect. “I think people might not realise how much of a toll it actually has on someone,” she said. “I think obviously everyone knows how hard it must be to lose a child, but because of the highs of finding out you’re pregnant, and the stress of being pregnant, and the worries of getting past the 12-week mark, it’s so stressful, even though it’s so exciting.”
Her journey through grief has been marked by ups and downs. Some days, she feels good and is able to keep herself busy with training and watching Liam’s games. Other days, the pain resurfaces, bringing waves of sadness and anxiety.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Despite the challenges, Kearns remains focused on her career. She has made 11 appearances in the Women’s Super League this season and is determined to make the England squad for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
“Football is my happy place, and I’m here now, and I’m excited to be here and keep trying to build and build and get myself right, ready for next season,” she said. “It’s a big year next year, and my plan while I was pregnant was to make the World Cup squad, and that’s not changed.”
Kearns also reflected on the broader perspective she has gained. “I’ve realised, like there’s more to life than football, but now I’m going to enjoy every minute of football like it’s my last because it could have been.”
Moving Forward
Kearns’s story is one of resilience and strength. She continues to navigate the complexities of grief while striving to rebuild her life and career. Her experiences highlight the importance of support systems, early medical intervention, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
