SYDNEY has rallied around forward Gary Rohan and wife Amie after the couple's twin girls were born on Thursday.
Bella Rae and Willow Nevaeh were born on Thursday morning, but Willow, who had been already diagnosed with anencephaly – a fatal condition that prevents the formation of a baby's brain and skull – tragically passed away hours after being born.
The Swans released a statement on Friday, saying: "Willow had five special hours with her mum and dad before 'growing her angel wings'. Amie and Bella are now resting in hospital."
Rohan missed the trip to Perth to face West Coast in the season opener to stay in Sydney with Amie and was left out of the Swans' team for Saturday's round four clash with the Western Bulldogs for the same reason.
The Swans have placed no time frame on Rohan's return to the club and will focus all their attention on providing the popular clubman with all the support his family needs.
The 26-year-old wrote on social media in November that talking about the situation had been therapeutic for the expectant parents.
"We would love for anyone who has been affected by anencephaly themselves or know of others affected by anencephaly to please contact us," he wrote on Instagram.
"Don't be afraid to talk to us about it. That's what we want, we want people to ask questions, we want to talk about it with others.
"We still need questions answered as much as everyone else.
"And at the end of the day, we will always be parents to twins, our journey has just been written a little differently to others."
If you or someone you know is looking for support, visit: anencephaly.info
