Watch the full podcast episode now:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Muud-blNlwQ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7l2bjulsdxvfZdFUXAhDdO?si=mO2LDU5jQv6Sk8DqKwKJuw

When Renae and Josh Bradley welcomed Dawson into their family, they were told he had Trisomy 18 — a diagnosis often described as “incompatible with life.” What followed instead was an extraordinary 18-year journey filled with love, resilience, medical advocacy, and deep joy.

In this powerful episode of the SOFT Talking Trisomy Podcast, Renae Bradley shares Dawson’s full story — from adoption and early uncertainty to years of complex medical care, meaningful relationships, and a legacy that continues to change how Trisomy 18 is understood.

Dawson’s life reminds us of something the SOFT community knows well: a diagnosis does not define a child’s value, potential, or impact.

A Beginning Marked by Love and Commitment

Dawson joined the Bradley family through adoption, a path that brought together courage, trust, and an unwavering commitment to life. From the very beginning, Renae and Josh embraced Dawson not as a prognosis, but as their son — deserving of the same love, care, and opportunity as any other child.

Shortly after birth, Dawson’s Trisomy 18 diagnosis introduced a flood of uncertainty. At the time, families were often given limited information and even fewer options. Yet, rather than accepting outdated assumptions, the Bradleys chose to learn, to ask questions, and to surround themselves with people willing to walk alongside them.

That choice would shape everything that followed.

Advocacy, Partnership, and Evolving Medical Care

Throughout the episode, Renae reflects on the importance of shared decision-making — working with medical teams, not against them. Dawson faced significant medical challenges, including congenital heart defects, respiratory complications, feeding difficulties, and seizures. None of it was simple. All of it required careful consideration, trust, and advocacy.

What made the difference was not blind optimism, but collaboration. Physicians who were willing to look beyond outdated statistics. Specialists who considered Dawson as an individual, not a diagnosis. And parents who listened closely, respected expertise, and still trusted their instincts.

Dawson received medical interventions that were once considered impossible for children with Trisomy 18 — including heart surgery — and he responded with strength, resilience, and unmistakable joy.

His story illustrates a truth that is reshaping care today: when given thoughtful options and appropriate support, children with Trisomy 18 can live meaningful lives.

Choosing Joy in the Face of Uncertainty

One of the most moving themes of this conversation is the Bradleys’ intentional choice to live fully in the present. Rather than counting days or living in fear of loss, they focused on what Dawson was doing now — laughing, learning, connecting, and loving his family.

Renae speaks candidly about how this mindset transformed their family. Every milestone mattered. Every smile was worth celebrating. Even in the hardest seasons, joy was not ignored — it was chosen.

That perspective continues today, even after Dawson’s passing. His influence remains deeply woven into the lives of his siblings, his parents, and the many families who now hear his story and find hope in it.

Why Dawson’s Story Matters to Other Families

For parents newly navigating a Trisomy 18 diagnosis, Dawson’s story offers honesty without fear and hope without pressure. It reinforces a message SOFT holds firmly:
there are no wrong decisions when choices are made with love, information, and support.

For medical professionals, this episode underscores the importance of evolving care standards and respecting families as partners in decision-making.

For the broader community, Dawson’s life challenges the narrative that Trisomy 18 is only about loss — and instead highlights connection, growth, and impact.

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Watch on YouTube:
👉 https://youtu.be/Muud-blNlwQ

🎧 Listen on Spotify:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7l2bjulsdxvfZdFUXAhDdO?si=mO2LDU5jQv6Sk8DqKwKJuw

You’re Not Alone

If you or someone you love has received a Trisomy 18 diagnosis, SOFT is here to support you — before birth, during medical decision-making, throughout parenting, and in remembrance.

Visit https://trisomy.org/contact-us to connect with our community, request support, or explore free resources for new and expectant parents.

Together, we support families and continue changing the narrative around Trisomy conditions.