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

Melia was the strongest fighter we have known. She inspired us every day to keep advocating alongside her and shine the light that she brought to our family. Even during the hardest days, Melia had a way of showing her resilience and it was such a blessing to have her in our lives. She loved music, sitting up on her chair or swing and watching Moana 🌸

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

Every child with a trisomy diagnosis is unique to their own needs and conditions. They should not be generalized to one category for their diagnosis. These lives are worth loving, caring for and offering them the best individualized plan to reach their own milestones.

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

We could not have imagined what our journey would be like as new parents. We did not learn of Melia’s trisomy diagnosis until after birth, though she had already shown her resilience long before we met earth-side. Researching information online and speaking to multiple providers can feel overwhelming and exhausting. But we were able to find support groups on social media and other families in similar journeys to help us advocate for her. Above all, our advice to a new family facing a trisomy diagnosis would be to take each day as what it is, a true blessing from God. Melia was our biggest source of joy. Even during her toughest days, we celebrated all her wins and all she was able to accomplish. Her days on earth were the most wonderful gift, filled with so much love and gratitude. While she rests in heaven, we are continuously reminded of her life and all the light it brought to our family and hearts.