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

We were told before she was born that her hands would be overlapping and that Hope would have rocker-bottom feet; however, none of these issues were present or noticeable when she was born. Hope has the beautiful lashes that everyone admires. Hope is a happy baby, she loves listening to music and bedtime stories. Before she was re-intubated at three months, she would join in with the cutest cooing every time we sang to her. She is tiny but brave. Hope spent six and a half months with us and has transformed our lives completely. She taught us to live in the present and to trust the Lord with all our hearts. She is our ray of sunshine, and she, along with babies like her, is worth fighting for.

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

Sadly, no hospital in our home state supports someone like Hope who has full trisomy 18. Doctors believe that she will not survive at birth, but despite getting the bare minimum of care and being denied her heart surgery, Hope lived 6.5 months. We believe that if only babies who have trisomy 18 were given the same medical and surgical care as others, they would have a better chance to survive.