Mom Honors Daughter Lost During Rare Quadruplet Pregnancy

Iowa mother Marae Hanson says the daughter she lost during an extraordinarily rare spontaneous quadruplet pregnancy will always remain part of the family and “watch over” her three sisters.

A Rare Pregnancy Brought Unexpected Joy and Heartbreak

June 19, 2026: When Iowa couple Marae Hanson and Patrick Fischer learned they were expecting another child, they imagined becoming a family with “two under two.”

Instead, the pair received astonishing news — they were expecting spontaneous quadruplets, an exceptionally rare occurrence that happens without fertility treatments. But amid the excitement came devastating heartbreak when one of the babies, daughter Rivie Sue, died during the pregnancy.

Today, Hanson says Rivie remains an important part of their family and believes her daughter is “watching over” her sisters.

Despite the grief, the couple is embracing life with their three newborn daughters while ensuring Rivie’s memory is always honored.

Credit: Kourtney Bowman/Rumored Photography

How Marae Hanson and Patrick Fischer Learned They Were Having Quadruplets

The 24-year-old mother and her fiancé, Patrick Fischer, 25, were initially preparing to welcome a second child after becoming parents to son Atticus.

Their plans changed dramatically when doctors discovered Hanson was carrying four babies.

According to the National Library of Medicine, spontaneous quadruplet pregnancies are extremely rare, occurring in approximately one out of every 512,000 to 677,000 births.

The couple was stunned by the news but excited about expanding their family.

What they could not anticipate was the difficult journey that lay ahead.

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Complicated the Pregnancy

Doctors later diagnosed complications involving twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which can occur when identical twins share a placenta.

In Hanson’s pregnancy, one baby received significantly more blood flow than the other. Physicians discussed procedures that might help, but complications delayed treatment.

Initially, all four girls appeared healthy.

However, following a successful gender reveal celebration around the 21-week mark, the family received devastating news at a later appointment.

Baby B, later named Rivie Sue, had died.

The Loss Left Hanson Wondering Whether She Was Still a “Quad Mom”

After losing Rivie, Hanson struggled emotionally and questioned whether she could still describe herself as a mother of quadruplets.

She turned to TikTok, where she had been documenting her pregnancy journey, and asked followers whether she could still call herself a “quad mom.”

The overwhelming response from supporters was yes.

That support provided comfort during one of the most painful periods of her life.

What started as a personal question soon evolved into a viral story that touched thousands of people.

Social Media Support Helped Prepare for the Babies’ Arrival

As Hanson’s videos gained attention online, donations and gifts poured in from supporters across the country.

The generosity helped fully stock the nursery and diaper room, easing some of the financial concerns facing the young family.

Hanson plans to remain a stay-at-home mother for at least five years while Fischer continues working.

Before the pregnancy, she worked as a veterinary assistant but stepped away because the physical demands of the job became too difficult during her high-risk pregnancy.

She hopes to eventually return to the profession.

Credit: Courtesy of Marae Hanson

Rivie Sue Remains a Special Part of the Family

Although Rivie Sue was stillborn, Hanson says her daughter will never be forgotten.

Rivie was cremated, and the family has created a dedicated shelf in the girls’ room to honor her memory. Hanson believes her daughters will grow up knowing they have a sister watching over them.

“She’ll be in the house with us,” Hanson told People.

For the young mother, remembering Rivie is not about sadness alone but about ensuring her daughter continues to be included in family life.

Three Sisters Have Finally Come Home

Nearly a month after giving birth, Hanson and Fischer have welcomed daughters Hartley, Whitley, and Renlyn home from the hospital.

The babies spent several weeks in the NICU before gradually returning home.

Their arrival completed a household that already includes 1-year-old Atticus.

According to Hanson, the newborns have been “really good babies.”

The couple also benefits from support provided by Fischer’s parents, with whom they currently live.

A Middle School Teacher Helped Shape Their Story

Interestingly, Hanson says she found support during childhood from one of her middle school teachers.

Years later, she unexpectedly discovered that the teacher was Patrick Fischer’s mother.

After meeting Fischer by chance while working at a restaurant, she eventually reunited with her former teacher under entirely different circumstances.

Today, those same grandparents are helping raise Atticus and the newborn girls.

The experience has brought multiple generations together under one roof.

Fans Have Been Moved by the Family’s Story

Many people online have praised Hanson for sharing both the joys and challenges of her experience.

Supporters have admired her openness about grief and motherhood while celebrating the remarkable rarity of the spontaneous quadruplet pregnancy.

Others have been touched by the way she continues to honor Rivie Sue’s memory.

The story has resonated with parents and families who have experienced pregnancy loss and serves as a reminder that grief and gratitude can coexist.

Credit: Courtesy of Marae Hanson

Why Their Journey Continues to Inspire

Although the family endured unimaginable heartbreak, Hanson and Fischer remain focused on the future.

Their story reflects resilience, hope, and the power of community support.

As they raise three daughters and remember the one they lost, the couple is taking life one day at a time.

For Hanson, Rivie Sue will always remain part of that journey.

Final Thoughts

Marae Hanson and Patrick Fischer’s rare quadruplet pregnancy brought both extraordinary joy and profound loss.

While daughter Rivie Sue never came home, her parents say she will forever remain part of their family.

As Hartley, Whitley, and Renlyn begin life alongside big brother Atticus, Hanson hopes all of her children will grow up knowing that Rivie is always with them — watching over her sisters.

FAQs

Why is Marae Hanson trending?

Marae Hanson is trending after sharing her story about conceiving spontaneous quadruplets and honoring daughter Rivie Sue, who died during the pregnancy.

How rare are spontaneous quadruplets?

Spontaneous quadruplet pregnancies are extremely uncommon and occur without fertility treatments. Experts estimate they happen in roughly one out of every 512,000 to 677,000 births.

What happened to Rivie Sue?

Rivie Sue died during the pregnancy after complications related to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

How many babies survived the pregnancy?

Three daughters — Hartley, Whitley, and Renlyn — survived and have now returned home from the hospital.

Do Marae Hanson and Patrick Fischer have other children?

Yes. The couple also has a son named Atticus, who is 1 year old.

What does Marae Hanson do for a living?

Before her pregnancy, Hanson worked as a veterinary assistant. She plans to remain a stay-at-home mother for several years before returning to work.

How does the family honor Rivie Sue?

Rivie Sue was cremated, and the family keeps a memorial shelf in the girls’ room so her sisters can grow up knowing about her and remembering her as their guardian angel.