What is something unique and special about your child with trisomy that you wish more people knew?

Adelyn is an extrovert and loves interacting with people. She may not use words, but she definitely communicates, Adelyn is my little rockstar. I was teaching fitness classes when I was pregnant with her, so she was born listening to music. She loves music, dancing and movement. She loves worshiping at church. She loves listening to her daddy‘s favorite Christian rock bands.
Adelyn is left-handed like her mother and big sister.

Why do you believe raising awareness about trisomy conditions is important, and how can others make a difference?

I was only given one option when I found out she had full trisomy 18. Doctors need to give options. They need to abandon these outdated statistics. I was told to plan her funeral not her birth. I’m still in shock with how I was treated by an advanced fetal maternal medicine doctor. I am glad that I was wise enough to stand up for my daughter who was not able to stand up for herself.

We have to raise awareness to change this mindset. These children deserve fair care because they are worthy of life.

I still have to advocate weekly if not daily for her and it is incredibly exhausting. But I will not stop advocating for her.

My “go to” phrase is always it’s better to grieve than to regret. I would rather grieve loving someone so dearly than regret not giving this person a chance.

During Trisomy Awareness Month, what message would you like to share with the world about your family’s journey and the trisomy community?

Adelyn is only five but has been through so much more than I have ever been through. She has been very sick and was even intubated for over a month (2 years ago). But, her good days far outweighs her bad days. She is thriving.

It has been really hard on all of us: her father, her mother and her big sister, but we have been changed for the better because of her.