Youngest Victim In Sinking Spring Murder/Suicide Was Heart Transplant Survivor
SINKING SPRING, Pa. (CBS) -- Authorities in Berks County are trying to make sense of the horrific tragedy that took place on Winding Brook Drive where police found the Short family dead inside their home this weekend in an apparent murder/suicide.
The family of five included three young children. It appears the youngest was dealing with a serious medical condition since before she was born. Mom, 33-year-old Megan Short posted frequently on social media about two-year-old Willow's congenital heart defect and the heart transplant surgery she underwent at CHOP at just six days old.
The Reading Eagle covered Willow's journey back in 2014 and the New York Times ran a piece the following year featuring the Short family's struggle with obtaining anti-rejection medication for her.
Megan kept family and friends updated on Willow's progress on "Willow's Heart Journey" Facebook page.
Megan, who according to her personal page attended Archbishop Ryan High School, also posted several submissions to a blog called Mended Little Hearts, referring to PTSD she was dealing with from Willow's medical ordeals.
"I have anxiety and nightmares. Certain smells and hallways trigger memories every single time. Yet sometimes the memories return out of nowhere like a beeping sound from someone's phone reminding you of the monitor alarms. None of this ever got easier. It took me nearly two years to recognize how much I was truly impacted by the experiences," Megan posted on the site this past April. "I don't think PTSD ever truly goes away but, with therapy, medication, and the right support, I have begun to loosen its grip on me. As I work on my own mental healing, I wanted to share my experience so that other heart parents know they are not alone."
One of the last posts on "Willow's Heart Journey" was from May 25 when Megan shared a happy moment from one of Willow's more recent blood draws, noting that her daughter is a "pro at this now" and didn't even cry.
"I have been super emotional over everything the past couple days. Just when I get used to her getting a little bit of normal childhood, I am reminded of all that she has to endure throughout her life. I have wondered if she would grow up to resent the fact that we chose this for her. Thankfully, she is a happy, happy girl who truly loves life. It's like she just knows life is precious. I am not looking forward to the day that she starts asking questions about it all and realizes she is different. Soaking in every single minute of her joy."
