21-Year-Old Is Caregiver for Brother With Pitt-Hopkins

Eighteen-year-old Victor Pauca is living with an incredibly rare condition. He was diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome in 2007 and was one of the first people in the world to be diagnosed with the neurodevelopmental disorder. His 21-year-old sister Francesca has decided to take a different path than her peers when she graduates from Princeton this year. She will return home to be one of Victor’s caregivers with her family. She shared why with Inside Edition Digital’s Andrea Swindall.

[@OTnerd7]

Victor is so blessed to have such an amazing support system. His family TRULY loves him. So heartwarming.

[@kathng8354]

Make me so crying. Our Praying storm to HEAVEN. Hope miracles will happen sooner. ❤❤❤.

[@PneumaNoose]

I agree. I alone take care of my triplegic mother (she’s paralyzed to about 80% of her body, can’t speak, can’t brush her own teeth, can’t control her potty habits, etc), and my body is now failing because I’ve been doing every single thing for her for 6 years now. I can’t even go to the hospital because I have no one to take over her care and the hospital refused to let me bring her and let her lay in the bed instead of me (she cannot be in a sitting position for longer than 2 hours). We’ve lost everything after her triple stokes. It truly takes a village and when you don’t have that, you don’t have a good quality of life at all. We both just waste away in this house now that I’m riddled with injury and illness as well. I gave her my all for a good 4.5 years and tried to make her life fun still but not having even a single hour off in over 2,000 days just destroys the body and mind. This family is truly blessed to have each other and the resources they have.

[@jeremiahvargas2164]

Thats so wholesome. She will do everything to protect him. Amazing person, Amazing story ❤

[@RayKlassen]

God Bless this young lady, daughter and sister.

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

yea he really blessed that family didn't he, so nice when your child has an incurable disease. Such a loving God😂

[@Five0Five]

I've been a caregiver since I was 12. Knowing one day I would be the full-time guardian for my niece kinda stalled my life in a way and when my niece was 18 I became her full-time caregiver. It isn't easy but it is fulfilling. I wouldn't have it any other way. I often worry that when I can't do it anymore who will be there to take care of her. She's so lucky to have been able to go to college and have a backup plan. It's such a loving relationship they have.

[@four4eyes]

Thank you for being on earth at the right time ❤️

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

the fact that you wouldn't change it really shows how deep your love is. as a person with severe disabilities, i feel real warmth every time i see another special needs person have that person in their life who makes sure it is worthwhile for them both. it's the best possible outcome. life can be so wonderful despite the challenges and the pain, but a lot of us need help to experience it and it's a vital thing that is frequently overlooked. ❤

[@sulwhale3171]

Yeah good backup plan indeed but I think she did 2 years since she is 21

[@holdingvictorshand]

That’s so beautiful you do that for your niece❤

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

Yeah, I've been a caregiver since my 20s for an elderly relative. I've been unpaid this whole time, and had to stop college over 15 years ago roughly. I did get through 2 years of college however. I'm in my mid 30s now, and spent most my life in isolation surrounded by death. I was severely abused as a child, and was diagnosed with CPTSD in 2019. I have worked many jobs off and on but due to being a caregiver I had to stop working completely in 2020. The government is finally going to relieve me after over a decade in a matter of months. I'm going to work on studying, deal with some pressing legal matters. After that I hope to become an apprentice and become an electrician before I hit my mid 40s. My car was completely trashed by transporting said relative all over the place. I'm looking forward to rewarding myself with a new mazda 3 in fall 2025 for all my hard work and sacrifice.

[@lilianamartinez1272]

Nothing more assuring than receiving care from sister, you grew up with. This story is awesome.

[@millennialaviation]

I can definitely relate to her. As a sister of someone who has autism it’s not always easy but I’m so grateful for my brother 💕

[@holdingvictorshand]

I love that you can relate!

[@pamelaavila9960]

What a dear and precious sister Victor has been blessed with! Sweet girl!

[@kathleendavis1145]

People with mental disabilities bring a ray of sunshine into the grim world. Thank you for taking care and being their for him. Support is the best you give them! Shower him with ❤️ love.

[@SamaiyaMiller-lol]

❤

[@sheilariggle8653]

What LOVE! She is the best. He looks so lovable. I cried in a great way!

[@holdingvictorshand]

Love happy tears!

[@Rachelcoaster]

Omg the sister is a doll. What a sweet lady. God bless their family

[@Majorforeva]

She's an Angel Brothers Kepper ❤

[@Zoe_Mm2]

This was heart-warming God bless this young lady, sister and daughter

[@Warriorcats334]

He is looking good and healthy❤❤

[@PuffOfSmoke]

They're well off. Two Princeton grad and the other one is going to Vanderbilt School of Med. He's lucky to have his medical needs taken cared of and a loving family and sibling looking after him.

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

sibling love is a beautiful thing. don't take it for granted, many people never know these bonds. ❤

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

Not always, biological family can be monsters. I was born to a narcissist, I'm the scapegoat child. I have one sibling, who abandon the family after being given everything. He stole $3.5 million worth of my personal property, and all of my narcissistic parents money and worldly possessions. Left me to take care of her due to filial laws in the state for the nearly 15 years now.

[@ellyhamilton959]

Bless you for being the best sister we can tell how much you love him and im so glad he has a protective family too hes lovely

[@TommyBBQBessinger]

WOW such a special family! And the sister helping her brother is amazing. Such a sacrifice.

[@juanoro-barcenas79495]

Francesca has my respect for being a great role model. She is a great human being with a wholesome story.

[@holdingvictorshand]

Thank you!

[@bbygrlpt2]

I saw the Peruvian flag!!!🥰 God bless this beautiful family! Their parents really taught those girls what true love and compassion is. They’ll go far in life💖

[@cnewt00]

This family is amazing. I pray God blesses them with everything they need

[@Harley_draculara87]

That’s so wholesome!❤❤

[@MrMiamiswaggz305]

I pray Victor lives a long and fulfilling life.

[@pierresenat9493]

This sister is truly a blessing for her little e❤❤❤❤

[@Chinaglo24]

I can truly feel the love coming from this family may GOD bless you and always watch over this family.

[@ednalucerocortez7006]

This is so humbling my heart melts with this family. I’m a caregiver my self God bless y’all

[@PsuNotPsu]

This is what a true sister looks like, Stay strong sister❤!

[@teresacole6266]

This touched my heart so much ❤ My thoughts and prayers for him and his family !

[@KTR490]

Many blessings to this beautiful family

[@Stevie_B_0828]

OMG, this video was so sweet, I need to check my blood sugar. Jokes aside, what a wonderful family, I didn't have any family for the majority of my life and I'm so glad there's such loving families out there. ❤

[@loomonda18]

Victor is brought into the BEST family for him, wow. I am in awe of how you and your family care for him, and it's so amazing. I have a little brother with autism as well, so I understand the caregiving aspect for sure.

[@holdingvictorshand]

How special!

[@coolcomments156]

this girl is gorgeous inside and outside. There is a lucky guy out there that's going to have a wonderful life with her.

[@Gdb987]

Yup. A wonderful nurturing women. This is the kind of women you want a kid & family with.

[@shellycassidy5473]

Thank you for sharing this 🙏🏼❤

[@floradelossantos6920]

She's is his angel and big sister who's always going to be by his side❤

[@jlock1223]

We absolutely adore your family and all of the hard work that you all put into making people aware of PTHS! We ❤️ you all! Love your Pitt-fam from AZ

[@holdingvictorshand]

Love our Pitt fam!❤

[@justacup8676]

Amazing young woman...God Bless her and her brother.

[@imdone3671]

This is very educational for me! ❤

[@craftmom5302]

What a beautiful story and a gorgeous family as the mother of a special needs child I think what they have done is amazing ❤ And those young girls taking on their brother full time someday makes me think of my oldest who will do the same for his brother such wonderful souls may God bless them all ❤

[@yahainHotPink]

Thank you for sharing their story! 💖

[@chanelpearls]

Despite Victor's circumstances he truly could have not asked for a more supporting family 🫶

[@breebrat56]

This family is amazing! He’s a beautiful ray of sunshine! ❤

[@susiegonzales4087]

Wow very impressive! Young lady! Keep doing what you do! Helping others ❤

[@MegaDeansy]

His sister is beautiful on the outside and inside !

[@jakeilano6821]

The sister is saint. I hope her brother is doing ok and well and wish him the best of luck. ❤

[@four4eyes]

A wonderful young woman and it sure looks like she and her brother share a lot of love between them . ❤ 🇨🇦

[@holdingvictorshand]

❤❤

[@anonymousanonymous5363]

@@holdingvictorshand Wish you all the best in your journey.

[@charlieredeemed]

God Bless that angel and his family. 🙏🏼✝️👑🫡👍🏼🫶🏼

[@user-br5hn4pv7y]

she is amazing God bless her and her family

[@michelleabel3163]

Tnx for educating us

[@gawainmiguel3247]

thanks for airing this. very good programming

[@user-lj4fu8ep1u]

What wonderful sisters and great family!

[@Bellwitch504]

It’s so amazing what this family has done for this kid treating him like every other human

[@valerievlogsYT]

The family is really blessed they have siblings to take care of him..not every family does that.

[@heatherleigh414]

sad story but he definitely wasnt the first to have it it was discoverd in 1978 he was definitely not born around tht time and not the first to have it but hope he has a great happy life no matter how he has to live it ❤ he sure does have an amazing support system from his family ❤

[@holdingvictorshand]

Yes, he was not the first but was one of the earliest to be diagnosed! Thanks❤

[@LocalLucifer]

She said, "One of the first." 😂

[@anirai1516]

God bless this family.

[@tobiojo6469]

God Bless this Woman

[@KJ-oon]

What an amazing family. God gave you all Victor as a gift so your heart will always be full of love. And you guys had the wisdom to know how precious this gift is and used it in the BEST way possible and keep showing others your strengths and love for each other, while most will either give up or become very bitter and play the victim. No matter what happens in life, your experiences will always be different and special because of him. Your family will have a deep bond, with pure love and support for each other that most families don't get to know, again, because of him. Victor is the gift. Sending much love to your whole family.❤❤ I will give anything to be with my only brother again.

[@holdingvictorshand]

❤

[@CarmenGonzalez-xq9fu]

Beautiful Family, May God give you all the strength to keep taking care of Victor 🙏❤️🙏

[@roja7426]

Aww! He is so loved by his family. Not all people like Victor have people to love them.

[@cyngem6029]

🙏💞God blessed this family ❤️ this is such a caring, wonderful family.

[@schawnettarobinson8584]

Amazing story ❤❤❤❤

[@TatTvamAsiSwetaketu-nz4ey]

I just hope and pray that Victor's condition improves with each passing day. He has such an amazing family. I hope God bestows his miracle on this child. He needs it more than anyone else.

[@gridspir]

This made me tear up but with inspired tears not sad ones. 🙏 ❤

[@laysieloo]

Such a beautiful and loving family ❤

[@Abcdefghijk920]

That’s her baby brother. End of story. Such a beautiful family!

[@holdingvictorshand]

So true!

[@neilyoungster833]

This is so cute. I think it’s a wonderful and sad too but in a good way.

[@Mystic_The_Wolf]

poor guy will never taste how amazing food can be. but also no allergic reactions

[@nicolevillafuerte4983]

this is so beautiful ❤

[@jenniferwells9032]

She’s a wonderful sister ❤️❤️🌺

[@kennethmoultrie1049]

That is so sweet 😊

[@lilbeviltwin]

What a beautiful angel she is.

[@jessalynnmills1444]

I am 27yrs old and my mom is my mother is my caregiver cause of the disease that I have and I know that she wouldn't change that for the world. My mom is the best thing to ever happen in my life.

[@Justdeidre]

Such a beautiful family ❤

[@Lexi_gem]

Gorgeous family I’m amazed and this I can’t say it enough I’ve never seen anything like it even mom saying her honest feelings too and I wish victor can have some chips :( when I eat chips I’ll think of him !!!!! This family is letting victor know every second that he is LOVED !!!!!

[@andynati2480]

God Bless this family, you’re angels 😇🙏🏽❤️

[@Number-ef4eg]

The part where it mentions going to physical therapy with her bother is so true. I have 2 brothers with disabilities one with autism, Bipolar, depression, anxiety and a lot more and one with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. I member when I was little I would always go with my little brother to either his speech or physical therapy. The people there were always so nice and if was just wonderful.

[@XluthiferX]

I am not a caregiver, but i do a lot of care giving things for my big sis who has rlly bad OCD (I help make her food + do things in certain ways so she can be relaxed) and although i also need help and basic care it is. Nice to help a sibling. We have eachother no matter what happens to either of us, when I've almost died she's there for me, When She's having panic attacks I'm there for her. We both struggle from similar things (Autism + physical problems and other mental things) and truly we understand each other more then anyone else. Although our support needs aren't the same as Victor here, it is nice to see other ppl who have amazing support from family, especially because some don't have that. I hope they live a great life!! She's a great sibling and he's lucky to have such a nice family :)! me and my sister will most likely never ever live apart because of the fact that we need eachother to thrive. It's nice!!

[@toyabrock9519]

Beautiful family 💕🙏🏽❤️

[@melit1039]

I came here from their instagram, their family is so wholesome and sweet I love watching their journey ❤

[@ishanabhavsar]

Speechless ❤❤❤❤

[@jmh6016]

Beautiful family 💕

[@user-xb1vx7md3v]

Such an amazing loving family❤❤❤

[@Homeless2013nov]

Amazing family ❤❤❤❤❤

[@iknoorbal9760]

God bless him and his family ❤

[@patricke.2181]

Truly beautiful inside and out.

[@nicoleLCRP]

I love the sister ❤ bless her heart ♥️

[@i-me-myseLf_]

Just imagine the person's mental/psychology condition/power, who already have dedicated thier life to a person with that kind of condition.... She's so so so so much strong and much more then a *"Guardian Angel"* for brother , i was unable to get over from that short video so i had to found the full vdo, Every brother deserve a elder sister like her , but not every sister deserves a brother with this kind of condition.... You should make your you tube channel dear *"Gurdian Angel"* , this can inspire so many people arround the world.... I am really wishing for the well health, recovery and long life of brother 🤞🕉️🙏

[@ncbiz]

She is all around beautiful who ever gets her heart is lucky man wish i could find a girl like her.

[@charlesvandenburgh7754]

His sister is beautiful

[@korn3701]

Beautiful young lady, in and out! ❤

[@mindysuarez1699]

Beautiful family ❤

[@haya157]

Great family, wish you all the best from Kuwait 🇰🇼

[@gkamal2078]

God bless you Victor❤

[@Wendyo630]

Beautiful Family

[@dvsmum3832]

What a beautiful family ❤

[@KimberlyMack2005]

Precious ❤

[@Lexi_gem]

Wonderful family and sister is a dream !

[@Selfproclaimedtheologian]

Omg what a awesome family 😍❤️

[@VonDutchNL]

This woman is an angel

[@kathleendavis1145]

I wish my sisters cared for me since I have autism and bipolar. Unfortunately they don’t understand me .

[@holdingvictorshand]

Best wishes to you

[@shamickawhite9524]

God bless them all ❤❤❤

[@catwhisperer2736]

Beautiful!