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

Aniella is always smiling. She is easily entertained and loves attention. She has a laugh that is contagious and a heart that is very forgiving.

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

Aniella was given 48 hours to live, like most children with trisomy she was labeled “not compatible with life”. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Sure, it wasn’t easy taking care of her, finding doctors that would treat her with respect and like a human being, not a diagnosis. She has an unconditional love and she has proven every doctor wrong. The more we stand up for our children and fight for them, the more doctors will understand that their diagnosis does not define them, but empowers them.

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

Raising a child with a trisomy diagnosis is not easy, but with the right supports, your family grows. We learned about Support Organization for Trisomy when Aniella was only 2 months old, but it was years before we could actually attend an annual conference due to her fragile state. The support is amazing and what every family deserves. We may not attend every conference, but the bonds we have made with families like ours is priceless.