When Juniper French was born at 23 weeks gestation, she weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces, and her twiggy body was the length of a Barbie doll. Her head was smaller than a tennis ball, her skin was nearly translucent and through her chest you could see her flickering heart. Babies like Juniper, born at the edge of viability, trigger the question: Which is the greater act of love: To save her, or to let her go?
Earlier this year, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Thomas French and his wife, Pulitzer Prize finalist Kelly French, chronicled the tale of their daughter’s struggle for life in the acclaimed book, Juniper: The girl who was born too soon.
Thomas French will recount that journey in a multimedia presentation Thursday, April 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Linsalata Alumni Center.
Kelley French will likely appear via Skype.
Their story was chronicled on a widely shared episode of Radiolab, and the book has received rave reviews.
Thomas and Kelley French teach journalism at Indiana University, and will appear on WCPN 90.3 FM “The Sound of Ideas” from 9 to 10 a.m. April 20.
Thomas French will spend time that day with CWRU journalism students before his talk that evening.
Leave a message for Jim Sheeler, the Shirley Wormser Professor of Journalism and Media Writing, at 216.368.2372 to request more information or to RSVP for the talk (requested but not required).