In an unexpected turn of events, Casi Rott found herself joyfully cradling her newborn triplets, unaware that this would be her last embrace. Tragically, Casi’s life was cut short, leaving her husband Joey to raise their five children alone.
Casi and Joey, residents of Clay Center, Kansas, already had two daughters, Teiley, aged 2, and Chloe, aged 6, when they received the astonishing news that Casi was expecting triplets. Due to the high-risk nature of her pregnancy, Casi temporarily relocated to Wichita during her third trimester to access medical care more promptly if needed.
Although her physicians recommended an earlier induction of labor with medication, Casi declined, opting to continue the pregnancy naturally. On January 29, 2016, at 34 weeks gestation, Asher, Levi, and Piper were born via C-section and placed in the premature birth unit.
Initially, Casi appeared to recover well and was discharged from the hospital. However, just two days later, her health took a sudden and devastating turn. She woke up with excruciating chest pains and a racing heart, signaling something was terribly wrong. Joey rushed her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a pulmonary abscess. After two days in the hospital, she was allowed to return home, and they believed their ordeal was over.
The couple visited their newborn triplets in the neonatal unit and returned home to their two older daughters. Casi seemed perfectly fine and resumed her normal routine, including caring for her babies, folding baby clothes, and even baking cookies. Joey picked up their daughters from preschool, and the family eagerly anticipated spending time together.
However, their joyous reunion was short-lived. Casi began complaining of chest symptoms again, and when the discomfort persisted, Joey rushed her to the hospital once more. Tragically, Casi lost consciousness while in transit and never regained it.
Joey, overcome with grief, described the moments as numb and surreal. The worst fears had become a heartbreaking reality. Despite the medical staff’s best efforts, Casi’s life could not be saved.
The loss was especially difficult for their two older daughters, one of whom constantly spoke of her mother, believing she was now in paradise.
Joey faced the monumental task of raising five children on his own, three of whom were infants requiring constant attention. Thankfully, his parents, Barbara and Chuck, lived nearby and provided unwavering support. Barbara, a nurse, considered Casi her own daughter and knew her son had a challenging mission, filling the roles of both father and mother.
In the midst of their grief, family and friends launched fundraising efforts that eventually raised over $100,000 for the bereaved family. Joey often thought about what Casi would do in certain situations, realizing that she would have wanted him to mature into the role of parenting their children independently.
Before the birth of their second child, Casi had asked her husband to reassure their children of her love in case anything were to happen to her. Joey is now fulfilling Casi’s request, keeping her memory alive for their children in every way possible.
