A Journey of Strength and Love: Victoria Bakker and Rosemary’s Story

Introduction

A trisomy diagnosis can bring a whirlwind of emotions, uncertainty, and challenges. But for Victoria Bakker, the journey with her daughter, Rosemary, has been one of unwavering love, resilience, and hope. From the overwhelming moment of receiving the diagnosis to the immense joy of holding her daughter for the first time, Victoria’s story is one of courage and determination.

A Heartbreaking Diagnosis

When Victoria first heard the words “Full Trisomy 18,” she was overwhelmed. The weight of the diagnosis felt unbearable, and as soon as she left the doctor’s office, she broke down in tears in her car. Fear gripped her heart—fear of the unknown, fear of what her daughter’s life would look like, and fear of losing her too soon.

“I was very overwhelmed and cried in the car after hearing the results from the anatomy scan. Our doctor recommended doing the nipt test but we already knew in our hearts. I became stressed and worried for her and fearful of losing her before I even met her.”

But amid the sadness, she found strength. Rosemary was already deeply loved, and Victoria knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would fight for her daughter every step of the way.

The Day Rosemary Was Born

When the moment finally came to welcome Rosemary into the world, Victoria was filled with overwhelming joy. The emotions she had carried for months all came rushing in as she held her daughter for the first time. She cried—not out of sadness or fear—but out of happiness and gratitude. She knew that every second with Rosemary was precious, and she cherished the chance to love and care for her daughter.

“I cried when she was born so happy I got to hold her and hear her little cry. She was a little peanut bundled up in my arms. I was so scared when they took her back to the ICU nest right away. The whole time kept thinking that she was still breathing. The birth and day was way easier than I expected and they kept telling me she was stable as they stitched me back up. We shared many precious moments holding her from then on.”

Embracing the Trisomy Journey

Victoria knew from the start that raising a child with Trisomy 18 would be challenging, and it has been. There have been medical hurdles, long hospital stays, and moments of exhaustion. But through it all, the love she has for Rosemary has only grown stronger. Every small milestone, every smile, and every shared moment has been a gift.

“I knew it was going to be hard and it has been. Rosemary has a trach and vent so she requires a lot of time and attention and it can be a very exhausting and mentally draining feeling like I don’t have a second for myself. But each day has been a blessing as I see her grow so much faster and smile all the time. The most challenging part is the unknown of how much time we have. She is our little princess but I know that God has great plans for her even on her bad days. The best part is seeing her happy and knowing she is loved by all.”

Over time, her perspective evolved. She learned that while the road ahead would be difficult, it would also be filled with beauty and purpose. Instead of focusing on limitations, she chose to embrace every day as a victory, no matter how big or small.

The Support That Made a Difference

Navigating life as a trisomy parent is not something anyone should do alone, and for Victoria, the support she received made all the difference. The NICU nurses and medical teams were incredibly helpful, providing not only medical care but also emotional support and encouragement. Their compassion and expertise reassured her that she was not alone in this journey.

“The NICU nurses and teams were very helpful. Specifically two of our nurses who had worked with trisomy babies and were loving and supportive of our decisions. Now that we are home, using early has been very helpful in making her development easier.”

Beyond the hospital, Victoria found comfort in connecting with other trisomy families. Hearing their stories, learning from their experiences, and sharing in the highs and lows of the journey helped her navigate the challenges with a sense of community and understanding.

Words of Encouragement for Other Parents

To parents who have just received a trisomy diagnosis, Victoria shares this advice: Don’t give up hope. Take it one day at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the journey is made up of countless moments that are worth embracing. Your child is here, and they are loved. Focus on the present, celebrate every milestone, and find strength in the support of those around you.

“It is hard but doing what is best for your family and kid specifically is the best gift you can give them. I wish I could know what the future is like but you don’t. But I can say that it has its amazing moments with the hard times.”

Conclusion

Victoria Bakker’s journey with her daughter Rosemary is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering hope. Despite the fears and challenges that came with a Trisomy 18 diagnosis, she has found immense joy in every moment spent with her daughter. Her story is a beacon of hope for other trisomy parents, reminding them that while the road may not be easy, it is filled with moments that make every step worth it.