Inspiring life despite a diagnosis

Krissy was 10 months old when her mom Ann started noticing she couldn’t do typical things for children her age.  Krissy was later diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy with a seizure disorder. Ann has since been a tireless advocate for Krissy and even started a post-high school program in her state.  Krissy lived for 33 years and passed away 11 years ago. Ann shares what a joy she was in...

Jessica and her husband were shocked to learn that their daughter, Eliana, was born with a cleft palate.  A few days later they discovered she had some other abnormalities. She was diagnosed with Pierre Robin sequence .     Bearing the Burden Unexpected diagnosis Jessica required a c-section for the birth of Eliana.  After she was born, the nurses were examining her and di...

Ileana and Lorenzo were told at their 20-week ultrasound that their daughter, Giselle, had some abnormalities with her brain.  They were given the option of abortion but refused. Now three years later, Giselle has been diagnosed with microcephaly and cerebral palsy .  They both agree that Giselle is a blessing and joy in their life. Life Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Amazing 20-Week Ultrasound...

When doctors first told Leslie that her daughter was measuring small, she didn’t put too much thought into it.  She was told the same thing with her son, who was born perfectly healthy. However, after seeing a different doctor, he told her that her daughter would be born with achondroplasia , a form of dwarfism.  Leslie shared her struggles with coming to term with the diagnosis and now...

After learning their son had some markers for a genetic condition in utero, Bijan and Zach were offered to abort one of their twin boys.  They declined the offer and also declined in utero testing. Jackson was diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion or DiGeorge syndrome .  Three years later, their other son Walker was recently diagnosed with autism . Twins Boys Diagnosed With Two Different Disorders Compl...

When Maria received the news that her daughter, Serenity Grace, had Trisomy 18 or Edwards syndrome , she was strongly encouraged to abort.  Instead Maria moved closer to find better resources that would suit the needs of her delivery.  She shared her journey and fears as she anticipates the delivery of Serenity in three weeks. Choosing Life Despite a Fatal Diagnosis Receiving an early di...

Sasha and Gary were surprised to learn that their daughter Zoey was diagnosed with Down syndrome in utero.  They were given an option to terminate the pregnancy.  Feeling like everyone has issues, they continued with the pregnancy. Several years later, Zoey has had such a positive impact on their lives they are in the process of adopting a girl from China with Down syndrome. Everyone Has Issues Ul...

Ethan lived for 93 minutes.  He is one of the only babies to be born alive with full Trisomy 9 .  His parents, Kristin and Chris were offered several times to abort Ethan.  They decided to carry to term and are happy they chose life and got to meet him.  His life has had a profound impact on their family and community. Defying Medical Odds Meeting with a geneticist At their 20-...

Tamara and Matthew received an unexpected test result when trying to determine the gender of their baby early in their pregnancy.  Their son has a 93% chance of having Down syndrome . In their interview, they speak of their fears and struggles on coming to terms with the results Unexpected News Finding out the gender of their baby When Tamara was 10 weeks pregnant, her doctor offered a NIPT t...

When Spencer was less than 24-hours old, he had surgery to fix an issue with his esophagus.  It was the beginning of a medical journey that would eventually lead to the diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome . Now at 17 he is attending high school and taking concurrent enrollment classes at a local college. Proving that you are more than your diagnosis. Diagnosis Doesn’t Define Who He Is Newborn requir...

Katie and Nathan’s daughter, Claire, was diagnosed with a rare fatal condition called Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata or RCDP .  Even though Claire’s life expectancy is unknown, Katie and Nathan love spending time with her and have found joy with her diagnosis. Loving Your Child No Matter What Diagnosis is Rare and Fatal “At my 20-week ultrasound, we found out Claire was a girl, and then...

After unsuccessfully trying for five years to get pregnant, Terah and Brian turned to in vitro fertilization.  During their second round, they found out Terah was pregnant. An hour after Indy was born, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome .  They were devastated.  They shared how they came to terms with her diagnoses and how she had impacted their life for good. From Devastation to...

Erika was given a very grim diagnosis when she was six months pregnant.  Her daughter, Erilyn was diagnosed with microcephaly .  She was very pressured to abort Erilyn.  Now eight years later, Erika is grateful she chose life and can see that Erilyn is a blessing and brings joy to everyone she meets. Nothing Like the Doctors Predicted Pressured to abort at six months pregnant During...

Ellie is a delightful three year old with Aicardi and Turner’s syndrome .  Her parents, Tiffany and Nathan talk about what a joy Ellie is to their family and how she has impacted their lives for good.   More Than a Diagnosis 20-Week Ultrasound The 20-week ultrasound is usually when families discover abnormalities with their unborn babies.  Tiffany and Nathan were no exception....

As young, college students, having a child with a disability wasn’t on their radar. Alyssa and Ben were shocked when they learned at their 23-week anatomy scan that their son, Will, had some brain abnormalities.  They were heavily encouraged to abort their son. He has defied doctor’s limited predictions and is a joy to have in their lives. Every Baby Deserves a Chance Finding out your son is...

After struggling to get pregnant, Traci and Mike were very excited when they found out they were expecting twin boys.  During one of their ultrasound they found some abnormalities in one of the twin’s brains. They also found a cleft palate and cleft lip.  Unsure how the other twin was affected, they were encouraged to abort both babies. Five years later they share the struggles and joys of raising...

Sarah learned that one of the identical twins she was carrying had hydrocephalus during a routine ultrasound.  After Isabella was born, it was discovered that she had several other issues. Isabella has endured many surgeries and will have several more.  Despite that, she brings a calming presence to her home. The Little Girl with Something Special One of the twins has hydrocephalus Sarah...

Jim is 51 years old and has Down syndrome .  He lives with his mom Shirlene who at the time of his diagnosis had never met anyone with Down syndrome.  At first, she was devastated. She now knows how grateful she is that Jim came into her life. Loving Your Child With Down Syndrome Finding out a few days later Shirlene and her husband had never met anyone with Down syndrome.  Shirlene...

Krystal and Dusty were scared and hurt when they first learned that their daughter, Amnesty, had spina bifida and a heart defect.  They were repeatedly encouraged to abort Amnesty and are grateful everyday they chose life.  She is a great joy to their family and shares her story to help others choose life as well. Using Daughters Diagnosis to Inspire Others Being pressured to abort your...

Miriellys and Alex have two children. Their youngest, Aerilyn, was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 or Patau syndrome in utero.  They were encouraged to terminate their pregnancy and were given a grim prognosis. They chose not to listen to their doctor and to give Aerilyn a fighting chance.  Now, 3 years later, they wouldn’t change anything. Aerilyn is a joy and a blessing to their lives. Trusting in You...

It took almost three years to get an official diagnosis for their son, Smith.  Beth and Bryce shared their journey to getting a diagnosis of Angelman syndrome and how it has impacted their family. Making Your Heart Grow Long Journey Towards a Diagnosis Unlike several disorders that are noticeable at birth, Beth and Bryce thought their son, Smith, was typical.  Beth recalled that she noticed he was...

Christine knew there was something different about her oldest daughter Skylynn.  They first hoped she had a sensory processing disorder. However, at the age of two Skylynn was diagnosed with autism .  Christine has spent every day since her diagnosis advocating for her daughter and others like her. Autism Hero Discovering Your Child has Autism Christine was constantly told “You are a fir...

When Laura wasn’t meeting developmental milestones, Keven and Phyllis brought her their pediatrician.  They were shocked to learn that she had polymicrogyria . Over the years they realized what  an absolute joy to Laura was to have in their family.   Losing a Child Twice Getting Diagnosed with Polymicrogyria Phyllis, Laura’s mother, was suspicious of something being wrong with...

Jen and John were encouraged by medical professionals to abort Jackson after he was diagnosed with encephalocele .  They chose to carry him to term and thrilled they did. Jackson is now a thriving two year old who is proving doctors don’t always know best.  Proving medical professionals wrong The worst birthday ever Jen and John went in for an ultrasound on John’s birthday.&#...

Kimberly and Bobby wanted to take no chances when they found out they were pregnant with their daughter Kyla.  They previously had a child who was stillborn after being diagnosed with Trisomy 13 in utero. After receiving normal test results they thought Kyla was going to be just like her older sisters.  Kyla was diagnosed with VATER association when she was seven months old.   The Happiest Girl  F...