Living with Trisomy 18: A 6-Year-Old's Triumph Against the Odds

[@IceFireHeart]

I lost my daughter at 24 weeks after they noticed her underdeveloped. Doctors suspected it was trisomy 18. Call me jealous of this mother, but I wish I could've had my daughter longer. Glad another mother was able to watch her baby grow.

[@honeyfromthebee]

I'm so sorry you went through that. How kind of you to be happy for this mother

[@glee_again2594]

And yet these news scripts try and make a case for abortion of these precious babies. @IceFireHeart

[@emmajones8590]

Sorry for your loss. It would have been your choice though if you had carried to term, and the odds of a good outcome after birth were low. The average age of survival of such children is 5 days to 2 weeks. Of course you wanted your daughter, but she would probably have suffered Having said that, I wonder how many couples who knowingly carry a badly damaged child to term are really thinking of the best interests of the child, as opposed to themselves. Whatever, I believe the couple should have the choice to do what they consider to be best.

[@IceFireHeart]

@@emmajones8590 you're right. That's the hardest part thinking back on it. Would it have been fair to her? We would've given her the best care while she was here, but again would it have been best for her or us.

[@emmajones8590]

@@IceFireHeart No idea. A lot of people want to terminate pregnancies with a Down child as well. But the chance is very much greater that a Down person can live a healthy, happy and productive life. Some are even pretty high functioning and in excellent health. I have no idea what I would have done myself, if a pregnancy check up had shown bad abnormalities in the foetus. There were no scans done those days and you only were offered an amniocentesis, if you were very high risk of having a child with problems. Are were around 40. Some people think they would know what they would want to do in that kind of situation, but they don't really. And if you had been trying for a baby for about 10 years, you might be more hesitant to go for a termination, than someone who gets pregnant easily and maybe had a few children already.

[@kathryncarter6143]

It's absolutely horrible that the Dr had a staff call mom to report the diagnosis! Further horrible for that same staff to tell the mom to search in Google for explanations! That is really negligent & heartless.

[@psychonauty2020]

that call did sound so unprofessional and inconsiderate!! 😢 poor mom was already stronger than I could have been with zero support

[@donna-lib]

Our friends, who live in South Florida, have a Trisomy 18 son who is now 22 years old. The parents were told that the likelihood of him living past his first year was very low. He does not function as well as the little girl in your video, but he is a true blessing to his family. They're INCREDIBLE parents and include him in every aspect of their lives.

[@erinhatt1997]

My friend's first born was diagnosed with trisomy 18 while she was pregnant. She carried him to term, and he lived a few short hours. Amazing this little girl has defied the odds!

[@emmajones8590]

This little girl had a mosaic form of the condition, which meant that the trouble causing extra gene isn't present in all of her cells. The prognosis in these cases is a bit more favourable.

[@psychonauty2020]

​@@emmajones8590thank you. I was looking for someone to say mosaic. my oldest son has a mosaic condition. it's not always the same, every individual with the same condition will have a different experience.

[@FierceGeorgiaOnMyMind]

​@@emmajones8590she doesn't have Mosaicism. She has partial t18, partial monosomy 18, and a deletion on her 3rd chromosome.

[@joanabug4479]

@@emmajones8590 I'm shocked this video doesn't make that clear. Instead, they turn it into politics by shaming the other parents for deciding to not carry to term a FULL trisomy 18 pregnancy. When the media prefers to shine politicians in favourable light rather than be honest and share the full science behind it, you know you're in trouble. The US is turning into a very scary place

[@aleahchittum1520]

This is why I want to be a physical therapist, stories like this, where therapists make such a meaningful difference

[@JessicaMcNamara-h9j]

I had a daughter born earlier this year with Trisomy 18. We found out a week before she was born and the diagnosis was official the day before she was born. She wouldn't have survived the birth so I chose to have a C-section. Because of that decision; she was baptized, was with us for a blessed week, met all of the family and her big brother, was snuggled and kissed, told she was so very loved, and I know she knew that. We didn't take extraordinary measures, but she was comfortable, fed and free of pain. She went straight to Heaven in my arms. Was it easy? No, it was so incredibly hard and I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone. However, when you conceive a child, you are committing to them in sickness or in health for better or for worse. It doesn't matter how "inconvenient" it is or "how painful" it will be. I was her mother and she was my child just as much as my healthy 3 year old is to me and I to him. She completed her life's purpose with us with dignity and with love. My heart goes out to all parents with these horrible, hard diagnoses, but you will find strength and love you didn't know you had.

[@jeannerountree952]

Thank you and god bless you

[@teijaflink2226]

Wonderful you got to spend a week with her which many parents with these children sadly don't get. I can't imagine how it must have been too.

[@eliannahankin2971]

Beautiful

[@melissamurray8307]

Take comfort in the fact that you will see her again.

[@Hootymae]

Politicians: Have these babies. Also politicians: We’re not gonna pay for their care.

[@emmajones8590]

Exactly. Even with a healthy baby, a lot of women / couples can't afford the medical bills of the pregnancy and birth. I have heard of couples who wanted and planned a child, got to have that child, but it was born early by c-section and had a few weeks in neo natal intensive care. Some of these people are still paying off the medical bill for that kid's birth 10 years later.

[@sarahquinn2224]

You obviously haven’t had kids. If your baby is healthy it’s not that hard to pay off the bills and if you’re low income you qualify for Medicaid for pregnant women and your child can have insurance until they’re 18. If your baby is sick and has a disability they qualify for Medicaid and disability and your income doesn’t matter.

[@emmajones8590]

@@sarahquinn2224 I had kids. Luckily I don't live in the USA so I wasn't billed anything at all. The people I am talking about had a healthy child, but it had to be born early by c-section. The bill for the complicated delivery and NICU took years to pay off. I bellieve it was before the time of Obamacare or whatever financing that is available now. They might have been earning just slightly too much or have been uninsured. I don't know. Do they still have the rule in the USA that you are allowed only 5 years of social security benefits in your lifetime, or did they get rid of it again. Because that sure would be a problem for a single mother with a special needs infant. She would be lucky ever to be able to work again in some cases.

[@rumpeltyltskyn]

@@emmajones8590Yeah I actually desperately want to have kids. I’m 27, married. But we’re both women (so no ‘oops’ babies), and we can’t afford to have kids. We’re barely making ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck. I’m afraid I’ll never get to be a mom because I had the misfortune of being born in poverty.

[@scarlettgallegos5812]

@@emmajones8590I think what you are referring to is Welfare not Social Security. They are 2 very different programs.

[@susanurban4371]

There's a reason Georgia was born to this mother. God bless this family.

[@RachelHeartsBenefit]

This was an absolute tearjerker to watch. I don’t typically cry unless I’m sad, frustrated, or grieving but I felt so emotional watching this. This mom is incredible. The parents are incredible for supporting their little girl and beating the odds. Their lives are full and so much better with Georgia in it and when she eventually passes, whether at a young age or an older age, her legacy will live on ❤

[@Sophiecjp]

I have a friend who has a granddaughter with some kind of trisomy. They said she would live to 1 year if lucky but is now 10. The child lives in a wheelchair, cannot talk, has a feeding tube, has a colostomy bag and needs 24/7 care meaning she has to have nurses. No insurance does not cover hardly any of this. They live hand to mouth. The child has no quality of life and the family is financially devastated and emotionally exhausted. If she had to do it all over again she would have never put her child through so much torture. Sometimes love means making the hardest decisions in the world.

[@catherine1886]

Careful what you say, would that mom really say that she wouldn’t “put her child through” life?

[@sarah2.017]

I'm surprised a child like this wouldn't be automatically qualified for disability benefits.

[@emmajones8590]

@@catherine1886 She apparantly did, didn't she? Doesn't mean by the way that she doesn't love the child.

[@Sophiecjp]

@@catherine1886 sometimes love means letting go. My brother was on life support. If we would have continued with his care he would have been a person living in a state nursing home, on a ventilator, with absolutely no quality of life. He would not have wanted to live like that ever. We had to make the decision for him since he did not have a living will. Ppl make decisions like this everyday. I loved my brother with every cell in my body but I made the best decision I could for him. I know I would not want to live like that. Just because science can make you “live” longer does not always mean they should. We let him go out love. We do this for our animals but when it comes to humans we want to be selfish and keep them with us as long as possible under any circumstances.

[@760mom]

I'm with you. I wouldn't want to live like that.

[@Chronically_JBoo]

I have a rare genetic disease as well. It usually doesnt get found until adulthood. I have over 50% chance of passing it on so I'm NEVER having biological children

[@myoldvhstapes]

You could do pre-implantation genetic testing.

[@760mom]

​@@myoldvhstapes $$$$$$$$$

[@dawsie]

@@myoldvhstapesyes but then have to live with the choice if she has passed it on to her child.

[@hoakerhoaker]

@@myoldvhstapesno! That’s genetic engineering. Stop playing God.

[@yadayada752]

I have a niece with trisomy 18 P. She is healthy, 18 yrs old & is working as a teachers aid at an elementary school. Yes, she is probably amongst the very highest functioning there can be.

[@LC_Boston]

I'm glad to hear your niece is doing well, but it sounds like she has only a very small extra piece of chromosome 18, as opposed to a whole extra copy of the chromosome, so it's a very different condition.

[@kathryncarter6143]

So awesome to hear!!!

[@kathryncarter6143]

​@@LC_Bostonplease don't belittle this condition! That's like say drinking & driving isn't that bad if it only happens twice a year instead of every weekend.

[@elzbieta78]

⁠​⁠@@kathryncarter6143No, it’s like saying you don’t know what it’s like to be born blind because you have to wear reading glasses. Yadayada’s niece is very very lucky.

[@LC_Boston]

@@kathryncarter6143 , I'm sorry if my comment came off as belittling your niece's condition. That certainly wasn't my intent. I was just trying to point out that, while the names are quite similar, full, non-mosaic trisomy 18 is a very different condition from trisomy 18p.

[@thesacramento_chef]

Those are great parents. They took her life in their own hands and didn’t take no for an answer this little girl is strong and is going to overcome the odds and live a long life.

[@woutervanlent5181]

I completely agree with you , what beautiful people !

[@katepistole9746]

When I told a friend about my daughter’s loss of her baby he said it was only a fetus. She was half way through her pregnancy. For the life of me I can’t understand that mentality. We have tiny feet printed in a locket and written in our hearts. Much love to you reading this. Love and healing

[@Rose.1400]

I adopted my two baby boys to a wonderful couple who couldn't have children. After 5 miscarriages they finally gave birth to a daughter with trisomy 13. I believe they told me she passed 12 Days later. From there they sought out adoption. 🥰 It's wonderful to see his mother pushing so strong for her daughter. The system sucks.

[@emmajones8590]

That chromosome defect sucks. It causes frighful damage to the child.

[@kathryncarter6143]

Amen

[@emmy-kz1pj]

When kids survive past the pregnancy and first year it usually means they have mosaic trisomy 18. That means that some of the cells in their body have the condition and some don't. For instance you could have 20%, 50% or 80% of your cells with the condition. It is actually impossible to know what the percentage is exactly for each person because you can't go taking every cell of a person's body out and testing it. Usually if there is a low percentage in the brain that really helps a person. Its different to standard trisomy 18 where every cell has the condition and most will miscarry

[@thebackrooms7511]

Or not be compatible with life. Full trisomy 18 is deadly, mosaic life is possible depending on how one is affected.

[@jessamykeilyjinksart5849]

Please get educated. Yes the statistics for FT18 are low and their lives may be shorter than most but their lives are still lived and loved. Also the statistics are heavily influenced by the number of pregnancies ended (not natrually).

[@FierceGeorgiaOnMyMind]

Georgia isn't even Mosaic. She has partial t18, partial monosomy 18, and a deletion on her third chromosome.

[@Nicole9606]

Stories like this give me hope. My little girl is 14 months now with Trisomy 18. We are truly blessed everyday. ❤

[@Katie_purry02]

This is heartbreaking 💔

[@daphne10120]

I’ve seen two babies with this condition. One died at 8 months. The other was three and had basically lived her entire life in the hospital with innumerable surgeries. She was very sick, nonverbal, and had significant deformities. It’s true that over 90% die before the age of one even with significant medical interventions and the rest generally die before the age of 5. At a certain point, how much are you willing to make your child go through? How many surgeries and hospitalizations should they suffer through? At what point is making these children full code and providing full life saving efforts selfish? These are realistic discussions about caring for sick or disabled children that we do not have as a society. This little girl is a significant outlier. She’s the less than 1%.

[@PollyWood67]

This child has a mosaic trisomy. That's usually less severe.

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

Aww poor little girl. That’s so sad

[@taa64777]

Iife is beautiful!

[@Oksanallex]

It's not trisomy 18. It's mosaic trisomy 18. That's huge huge difference.

[@michaelcutcher8592]

She is trisomy 18 and she is partial

[@jessamykeilyjinksart5849]

Mu daughter has full T18 and is 18 months old with no interventions as yet. I know girls who are 7, 8 11 years old with full x

[@FierceGeorgiaOnMyMind]

She has partial t18 & partial monosomy 18 & a deletion on her 3rd chromosome.

[@barbarafrancis533]

As an OB nurse, I can’t imagine being told over the telephone her diagnosis and to google what it was. They should have gone into the office and the doctor should have told the family what was wrong and a plan developed for her care.

[@Ronibearable]

I find this story misleading and irresponsible. There is a tiny moment where a doctor says "Mosaic Trisomy 18" and barely explains it. It should be much more clearly addressed and explained that this is the reason that the child in this story has survived longer. Mosaic is NOT the norm, as only about 1 in 20 babies with Trisomy 18 will have the Mosaic form. That means that the remaining 19 babies will have the typical TS18, which then means that they will not survive long term if they even survive being born at all. Those that do have problems such as difficulty breathing, heart defects and other problems, that lead to death post birth in almost all cases.

[@Nirrrina]

I thought there was more to this than just beating the odds with trisomy 18. But now a lot of people are going to think it could be like this when this is the outlier. I'm very happy this little one had a milder form & has been able to have somewhat of a good life. She should definitely be given whatever is needed to help her though. You never know what could be done if it's just tried.

[@sarah2.017]

I was a hospital pharmacist for many years, and the one time I saw a child with Trisomy 18, it was a baby with the extra chromosome in 12.5% of its cells, and this baby still lived less than a month.

[@rumpeltyltskyn]

Yeah I did a project on it in school once. It’s not just usually fatal, it’s also generally very painful with no quality of life.

[@sarah2.017]

@@rumpeltyltskyn I do remember that the parents did not know before birth that the baby had anything wrong with it. I can tell you about this because there were stories in the newspaper about the baby and family. ISTR that they knew the baby was a bit small for dates, but not that it had anything this serious.

[@rumpeltyltskyn]

@@sarah2.017 Oh yeah I’m not judging the parents in the scenario at all. I’m pro-choice, which includes the right to choose to carry as much as to choose to terminate. I’m very glad the parents in the video were lucky to have a relatively healthy baby.

[@leahartlee29]

AWW what a sweet little girl, and I hope she can live a healthier and happy life.

[@blackredwhiteandblue1440]

My cousins daughter had trisomy 21 and she lived for almost 9 years , 3yrs after her mom was found dead in her sleep. She was loved and her aunts, cousins and family made her life wonderful. All life is precious and deserves a chance Beautiful Girl❤

[@leahartlee29]

That is IF the woman wants to carry such a fetus to term that it deserves a chance. Life is hard enough for the able bodied! This couple wasn't told, but should have been. I would have sued.

[@boething]

My name, given to me from my grandmother and great grandmother, is Georgia. As a retired elementary school teacher, this is beyond heartwarming.

[@shireecox122]

I look up to people who choose life no matter what the baby may have. Everyone deserves a chance.

[@taa64777]

Agreed, this just proves everyone has a right to life

[@claudiamelisa7]

What a good mom

[@greyhoundgirl9726]

Full trisomy 18 is incompatible with life, this child doesn’t have that. Mosaic +18 is nowhere near as bad which is why this girl is doing as well as she is. Stop with the absurd comparison between her and the pregnant woman with the full +18. This is comparing apples and oranges.

[@michaelcutcher8592]

Daughter is partial. Brandon Bosma who has a Ted Talk is mosaic, Megan Hayes of Oklahoma, who is 40 now, is full. I believe Rick Santorum's daughter who is 15 now is full.

[@JaimeMesChiens]

I am a medical professional. I know a bit about trisomies. This child, featured, is clearly mosaic. Santorum’s daughter is mosaic. She is very disabled. Georgia appears quite complex. Her mom didn’t mention cardiac involvement or corrective surgeries. I do not know Megan Hayes. Brandon Bosma is a mosaic. Having seen trisomy children, if I was diagnosed with a trisomy 13 it 18 fetus, 100% Id terminate. But, I am pro-choice, and respect women who make decision to carry to term.

[@thegravelady]

One of my non viable IVF embryos had trisomy 18. :( The other had another issue, I forget which, but still would probably cause a miscarriage or have a very short, painful life. We also had two beautiful, perfect embryos and I'm less than 3 weeks away from our scheduled c-section for the second one, a little girl; I had her big brother two years ago. My heart still hurts for the two little girls who will never have a life, but I felt the kindest thing to them was let them stay embryos, no heartbeat, no pain, no suffering.

[@tiffanycooper-grant1508]

My daughter has full trisomy 18 she do more than this little girl. It’s possible.

[@jessamykeilyjinksart5849]

That is such an outdated and hurtful comment. My daughter is not incompatible with life at 18 months with no interventions or tubes. Neither are the many girls I know who are as old as 11. Life limiting, maybe, but that doesn't mean they don't have a life.

[@tinmanlover1994]

It's the Little things that every parent takes for granted from Talking and walking and just playing and god gives us these children to shine the light of his love of little children

[@k.p.9990]

I would not consider that 'thriving'. Thriving would be able to surpass milestones without all the complications this little girl has had to endure. She is surviving until... Im sure she gives her family some joy but in the big picture it is heartbreaking for everyone. (This is from someone who grew up with severe health issues.)

[@norlavine]

These babies are so precious. Love is all we need.

[@amyahlquist3436]

I’m pretty sure there is varying degrees of severity.

[@taa64777]

Choose Life!

[@kellyburnett1833]

I definitely agree with the Texas woman, she had every right to get an abortion based on the diagnosis. I think that medical advances have kept babies alive that have no quality of life.

[@kerifurr1620]

I look at it this way I'm a parent of a daughter with turner syndrome I say disability or not they all deserve the same as anyone else if it has to do there medical or something they need to help them get around or to help them speak

[@anonnymowse]

Just because this kid has so called beaten the odds does not mean other kids can or should. This is like Down's. The ones they tout are the ones given lots and lots and lots of expensive therapy who might succeed. They don't tout the ones whose parents look old before their time because they have a grown up toddler in diapers who will get early onset dementia.

[@rmalus10297]

You don't need lots and lots and lots of expensive therapy for downs syndrome. Those are case by case. Some are severe, some are not

[@thedownchucks6317]

This is not like Downs at all. Many people with Downs grow up to be functional and independent, and if not, they will likely survive but need higher care. Trisomy 18 causes death so early that very little is known about how it affects people past their first birthday, but for the survivors, it doesn't seem they live happy fulfilling lives.

[@Ronibearable]

@anonnymose The ones that they "tout" (as you put it) are generally are the people with Mosaic Downs. Which means that they are only partially Down Syndrome, because only some of their cells have the extra chromosome 21, not all. This allows for higher functioning. To your point there are some with Downs that don't function well, and have many cognitive and physical issues.

[@anonnymowse]

@@thedownchucks6317 I mean it in the sense that the media touts an unusual example like that is the standard. Same with Down's. Yes, some go to school and become working members of the community. but most do not. This has come up because of a woman who didn't want to take the risk and was denied an abortion because of a bunch of men who care nothing about women and children, they love to be in control.

[@DebbiePotter-xh7kv]

I get what you’re saying.

[@hellobot67]

just because you show someone the .001% chance of them being alive doesn't mean they are "living." Having a sick child from day 0 is no joke. Suffering is no joke. You showed us ONE case where they "walk" and you want us to all think that that's a good life? She can't be left alone or just with any one off the bat, they'd have to be trained. They have the money to care for a special needs child. 10k to communicate?? most working people can't even afford 3 5-day hospital visit! I totally get every story is different but not everyone can do this nor wants to and telling people " You won't get that abortion on my watch" is wrong. Then you get kids in foster care who DON'T GET A FAMILY cause they have high needs! So the " dont get an abortion" doesn't help anyone. You'll never see a single parent have a kid like this be " spoiled rotten" and have their health needs met. They'd be left at the hospital or die YOUNG! Stop making this seem like hope for the 0.01% of a living past 1 case.

[@AussieAdventures77]

Exactly

[@GarrickRichins]

I had an Aunt that had trisomy 18 and she lived 36 years. Kimberly Richins. She was a huge blessing in our family. My family took her everywhere with them. She even rode the rides at Disneyland back when they would allow that. They played the song Angels among us at her funeral, and she really was an angel among us.

[@vickie30]

Most people don't understand the future for these babys..Ask yourself would you want to be born like this?

[@leahartlee29]

NO! I would definitely not want to be born that way, and here at all. Life is hard enough for the most able bodied.

[@FierceGeorgiaOnMyMind]

It's not like we had a choice? She was born that way and we've loved and supported her.

[@maryloushaw6858]

Kimberly is a very special mom

[@daniellejoens6920]

God bless this family ❤🙏🏻

[@emmajones8590]

What kind of a god lets this happen to begin with?

[@daniellejoens6920]

@emmajones8590 The one and only God that told the Jews that they were to follow him and he would provide, protect and bless them. And if they worshiped other pagen gods and didn't observe the laws he gave them He would let them have their choice...a life without Him. The same choice He gives us.

[@emmajones8590]

@@daniellejoens6920 I don't believe in gods. Have yet to come across the flimsiest shred of evidence that they exist.

[@daniellejoens6920]

@@emmajones8590 Ask Him to show you.

[@tudormiller887]

Such an amazing story, I can't believe mothers are encouraged to abort their unborn disabled children. Hopefully mothers will watch this video and see how a child with disabilities can live a happy life like children without disabilities.

[@rmalus10297]

I know these people had no idea until she was born, but look at the lady that does know and had to leave the state for an abortion. So... Texas wants you to carry the pregnancy, then won't help provide insurance for the outrageous medical bills. But yes.... let's talk about how awesome it was that roe v wade got overturned

[@moriahmorgan5983]

That precious baby should have had a chance. Instead of fighting for abortion, why not fight for better care and resources for the babies and their families? This culture doesn’t know how to respect life.

[@emanzeism]

@@moriahmorgan5983 It's not one or the other. Forcing a woman to have a baby she doesn't want/can't care for is inhumane. What are YOU doing to help women who are forced against their will to become mothers?

[@sarah2.017]

@@moriahmorgan5983 Baby Cox didn't have a chance. The abortion was not because of the baby being sick, but because the MOTHER was sick.

[@prestoncarla81]

@@sarah2.017 wrong, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that abortion was not necessary because there was no risk to the mothers life. The Texas woman just didn’t want to be inconvenience with a special needs child.

[@loriar1027]

​@@prestoncarla81 You might want to recheck your facts. There was danger to the health of the mother, including the possibility of infertility in the future. The mother should not be forced to have a child with major birth defects.

[@Builtfromashes992]

My daughter yo-el is living with trisonomy 18 and the doctors are still astonished at the university of nc God has pulled her though Covid and 3 different viruses in her system all at once she is going to be seven in Dec she continues to let Gods glory show she is now starting speech therapy she can sit up with propping her hands to her side and my faith believes she shall be soon walking they told me she wouldn’t survive a day she wouldn’t eat so I begin to feed her with a dropper she has never had feeding tube and now eats everything we eat she had heart defect my family and my church prayed for her and fasted she went back to the heart doc they took her off of meds and said her body healed itself but I know why the skin grew over the holes inside of her they said her mouth would be to little to eat and all of these things her hands were balled into fist and now they are normally opening and closing God gets all glory !so happy that you and your family ares also exsperience a great breakthrough 💕

[@abbieprice3430]

I think I saw Georgia and her mom Kimberly on SBSK recently!

[@michellebloch8970]

So ridiculous that this family had such a hard time finding adequate care from doctors for this child that “shouldn’t be alive”. Well she’s clearly alive and doing quite well so ANY doctor should be offering the same level of care they would give to any other person. Just because someone is not likely to survive doesn’t mean you just give up without trying. Glad this family found providers that care enough to provide the medical and emotional care that this child needs 😊

[@taa64777]

Amen, everyone has a right to life! Those who live to take a position for abortion have to be alive to do so, just sayin

[@judyedwards9774]

God Bless this Mother loving and raising her child.. God does not create junk... She is beautiful child.. All God ask is to love, raise and except this child.. God Bless these parents abundantly....

[@AmeliaEarhart53756]

Georgia was recently interviewed on SBSK on YT!

[@spiralrose]

Talking about the woman who had to leave the state to terminate her pregnancy, and then showing a six-year-old with that same condition, the fetus had is in terrible taste. We can all see where the agenda is pushing

[@Popinjay-yo4iy]

She absolutely made the right choice 👍

[@AussieAdventures77]

Yes

[@Nico-yo7es]

beautiful girl. she deserves all that life can offer

[@scarlettgallegos5812]

Fortunately both of my children were born quite healthy and Thank God have remained that way. However I can say without any doubts that had there been an inkling of Trisomy or any other serious condition I wouldn’t hesitate to terminate that embryo/fetus. I know myself very well, there’s no way I would bring forth a defective baby under any circumstances. I never have had the kind of patience or energy required to care properly for that child. Nor put any of that on its siblings. Yes, I’m aware how selfish that sounds. But I don’t care one bit. I learned long ago not to concern myself with other’s opinions. Only mine are what should matter to me. Life is very hard, even when the kid has all the advantages possible. Then to have them behind the 8 Ball from the very beginning is just unimaginable to me. I care too much about them to allow that. We certainly can’t control everything in their lives but whatever I can then I do it. No, I don’t stress over terminations. There are times when it’s necessary. No one WANTS an abortion. But sometimes one might really NEED one.

[@emmajones8590]

It isn't in the least selfish to protect any siblings from a life with a newcomer in the family, with a huge number of special needs. These badly handicapped children tend to consume almost all the resources of time, attention and finances. Their presence can be very detrimental to the quality of life of the rest of the family.

[@scarlettgallegos5812]

@@emmajones8590 well said! Too many times I’ve seen / hear of exactly this happening. I’ve wondered if the parents even think about the rest of their family. Got a cousin whose a pediatric nurse, so sad to see what happens to the household when a tragedy like this occurs. Especially when both parents must work, no amount of Social Services provided can make up for all the families’ needs. Not to mention how forgotten the other kids feel.

[@emmajones8590]

​@@scarlettgallegos5812 There were 2 Down Syndrome kids in our street when I grew up. One never developed beyond about the age of 6 months or so. Never learned to walk, talk, communicate, was incontinent, couldn't feed herself. Needed constant care around the clock. Was also constantly ill, caught every cough or cold going. The mother couldn't work of course, could have no hobbies outside the home, couldn't nip out and visit a friend. They could have no holidays, family outings (there was an older kid), no weekends away. Poor thing died when she was about 10 or 11. The family loved her and really grieved for her death. But after that there was so much shall I say space, for them to do nice things. They bought a caravan, went away on holidays in it, the mother got herself a little job, was able to visit people, go into town on a whim etc. Their whole quality of life improved enormously. Or at least it seemed that way to outsiders. The other little child was more fortunate. She got developmentally 'stuck' at around the age of 3. She was cute, would play along with all the other little toddlers, even when she herself was older. The father had a job away from home, so the care fell entirely on the mother. And she didn't have it easy. The kid was destructive and got into all sorts of mischief. Couldn't be left to her own devices for a moment. Couldn't be blamed, knew no better. She would do things, I believe, like destroy her older sister's schoolwork and clothes. The sister married unusually young. No idea if the Down sibling had anything to do with it. I believe the mother kept her with her into middle age. No idea what happened after that, as they moved. But to cut some long stories short, taking care of a special needs child is often greatly underestimated. The divorce rate is also unusually high in couples with a handicapped child or in those where a child has died.

[@ElleSaw]

The crazy thing is that people against abortion are fighting to have these babies born to then die. My sister’s tri 18 did 7 months after being born. It was lovely sitting around just waiting for a baby to die for 7 months. The end result was still the same.

[@GLITTERandSKULLZ]

No. The difference is a child born experiences love.

[@moriahmorgan5983]

My condolences and prayers for the loss of the child. Aren’t you thankful that you got to spend that precious time with the baby? That the baby had a chance? Was the baby’s life not worth it? I will continue to fight the all unborn babies. They all deserve a chance.

[@ElleSaw]

You sit for 7 months with a dying child and your perspective might change.

[@darlalei4303]

​@@ElleSawShe was living 7 months, don't confuse the two.

[@serendipity9649]

​@GlitterandSkullz Don't forget about the family's other children who will have to do without due to the mounting medical bills that will now be a part of every day life, as well as the loss of time with parents who will have to devote their time & energy, if not their lives to this one child. How many of these children and their families will end up dependent on charity and the state which is almost always what Republicans make as their chief complaint while handing out " boot straps".

[@lltpgh2012]

Each parent needs to make their own decision on each pregnancy. Glad there are children who are thriving. These parents are blessed. But, not all parents can succeed. It is THEIR decision.

[@teresawilson3893]

I feel for the woman that had to seek medical care because of the insane laws in Texas. As it’s a choice to bring a disabled child into the world it’s also a right not to. And people need to mind their business and respect medical privacy.

[@kyshac81]

So why didn’t she get genetic testing prior to giving birth? It doesn’t sound like she ever did.

[@StlScarlett]

This mother is very lucky. The majority of the trisomy 18 babies just do not get these types of outcomes.

[@animagflip]

That mom is going to be a full time caregiver instead of being a mother for the rest of that child's life. Imagine if that child makes it to adolescence, unable to walk, chairbound, and incontinent... that's very stressful full-time care for the parents. Sorry. Just being realistic.

[@FierceGeorgiaOnMyMind]

Hi! I'm the mom! I'm her caretaker and her mother and I run a very successful photography studio. Hard,? Sure! But I make it happen. Don't assume.

[@mtsb557]

❤🥰Bless you!

[@tammyturner5775]

I think if doctors would let people see both sides instead of saying they should be aborted then they would see that the prognosis isnt as grim as they make it seem. My case and point are in these cases of kids making it at least 5 yrs. Also, if thrre were more cases it would be easier for these kids to get the assistance they need to thrive

[@reefreptile]

I would have had an older sister, unfortunately she died during late pregnancy due to trisomy 18 complications. I've seen the imaging of her chromosomes and it is fascinating but sad. I likely wouldn't exist if she did, so I am thankful for her giving me the opportunity.

[@jeannerountree952]

Sounds like you were born afterwards? thank you for sharing your story.

[@Sapphiregriffin]

it's not fair to force someone to live like this.

[@Mandy87Marie]

I agree. I think the parents are being selfish asking for all these interventions to keep her alive for longer

[@lorielogan1816]

Is it fair to force (you) to live? 😮 Very selfish remark towards this child😮 She has a purpose in life just as other children.

[@AussieAdventures77]

@@lorielogan1816unfortunately this is a different situation

[@AussieAdventures77]

There’s something fishy with this story. Doctors can tell a lot on ultrasounds… Especially this kind of severity

[@lorielogan1816]

@@AussieAdventures77 That's your opinion mine.

[@sabrina19ization]

Beautiful and prayers ❤❤

[@kathryncarter6143]

Awesome for mom. Shame on the state for turning away so many opportunities to help. Mom is exactly right. It's not fair to those who can & do improve.

[@WickedMaine]

It's sad at every outcome.

[@Luna14Smith]

This is NOT any other 6 years old gir...

[@sarahquinn2224]

Beautiful and amazing mother. She will be blessed.

[@kygal]

The nurse told her to google it?! Isn’t it their JOB to make sure a patient/patient’s parents understand the illness?

[@JesgateOnDown]

"made it through birth" then says "she was born not breathing"

[@talagoncharova-starlife-9269]

As for me, it's very artificially prolonged life... Life full of therapies. Do you want such kind of life?

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

I didn’t learn about this in trigonometry class

[@snuff2023]

AMAZING! I hope she is comfortable. Imagine how many children got aborted and could have been like this child? I have 3 special needs kids (adhd and 2 severely autistic). I couldn't imagine this medical fragility 😢. If we are being forced to have children then the state needs to be responsible for the bills!!

[@stephanielewis8481]

Well how nice that is for offer up your life to care for this child

[@snuff2023]

@@stephanielewis8481 I don't understand what you are trying to say here.

[@scarlettgallegos5812]

@@stephanielewis8481And that’s exactly what you are doing when you decide to have a kid you know is so damaged.

[@k.p.9990]

The child will never know what quality of life truly means. She is severely mentally and physically disabled, far worse than adhd and autistic.

[@AyakoTachi]

This is awful. I had a simple blood test that checks for this in early pregnancy 10 years ago and again with my subsequent kids. How did no one notice. And left a receptionist notice. Awful.

[@AussieAdventures77]

Because there’s more to this story…

[@Flipper86]

Can someone please get a pair of glasses that fit her? These literally fall off her face because they are so big and she’s tiny. She’s had Miraflex frames in the past. Why not continue using that brand? [Might, unfortunately, be the frames Medicaid will pay for. Have experienced this with a young special needs friend with microcephaly. The “only” frames available were so huge on his tiny face it was shameful.]

[@infinitejest441]

That’s the least of her problems. Take a chill pill.

[@Flipper86]

@@infinitejest441 I disagree. Poor fitting glasses are: 1) annoying, uncomfortable, and required constant readjustment, 2) highlight her disability rather than flatter her face, 3) can actually prevent her from seeing properly as the center of vision isn’t usually where it needs to be, 4) can make her less likely to want to wear them

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

um, medicare is only for seniors and adults on SSDI. The state early intervention program provides therapies at low/affordable or no cost. Schools start at 3 in most states.

[@Duhhh123]

MEDICADE

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

@@Duhhh123 its medicaid...video said medicare

[@Pia-k4l]

She beautiful calm she has u loved❤

[@louisetringham5830]

My daughter has had over a hundred surgery’s it hard when it has to do with genetics.

[@sarah2.017]

Does she have T18?

[@catherine1886]

God bless this news channel for showing this story of hope and an alternative to abortion.

[@emmajones8590]

They didn't know the kid had it before it was born. They might well have chosen to abort otherwise..

[@ExtraGifted321]

She is so sweet and blessings to have such a great perants ❤ stay strong ❤ 😊 the world is brighter to see this love and care

[@YourEvolutionCoach22]

A Mother and Father have the right to choose for their families what is viable. I am happy for those who chose to take on this U.S. Medical healthcare battle...and face of grief when their child passes....but each parent should have a choice!

[@YourEvolutionCoach22]

We are allowed to choose quality over quantity which is more often for the satisfaction of another's ego-based guilt, and not about seeing their child suffer.

[@evillangbuildsmc2468]

Wow

[@sunflower7045]

Wanted my babies more than anything in my whole life. Wouldn’t have aborted Downs baby, but would have Trisomy. I’m very happy this little girl is being cared for and doing so well. Unfortunately it’s very much not the norm. All this aside, my body = decisions and I believe in the same for others. Wishing you all well. 🌻

[@mariaburket4932]

My sister was suppose to be born that way but wasnt

[@NickanM]

The frightening thing with trisonomy 13 and 18 is that the full blown variant have frightening birth defects. I'm pro choice,( but I personally know that I would never go through an abortion, I am a christian, and I live in a country with universal health care so I will get help if I get a child with special needs / conditions. My mental health would be crushed if I aborted my child, I have had clinical depressions. _But I ALSO think that ALL females should have a choice; if their baby has severe birth defects; the option to abort the pregnancy. I WOULD say NOTHING about my Christian view, I am not that kind of judgemental religious crazy._ ❤

[@renafielding945]

My family probably still thinks i shouldn’t have had children. But none of them has a child. Ha ha ha.

[@robertceliberti7175]

What an awesome video. God bless that little girl.

[@doriswalsh3929]

Awwww 😮😮😮😮keep strong sweetheart ♥️ prayers to the family

[@KnowLoveServeHim]

How the medical community treats certain people with disabilities that are “incompatible with life” is disgusting and inexcusable. Like Georgia’s mom said, that’s what makes them incompatible with life, because the medical community refuses them care.

[@xstlady52]

As part of that medical community, please don't overgeneralize. This is expensive care and the healthcare business side in the U.S. is hugely messed up. Clinics and hospitals are pushed to do as much 'businesss' as possible, competing for NUMBERS of patients without allowing for quality of that care. Duplication of technology and services is the norm in many communities because of different health insurance networks. In my community of 27,000, for instance, we have THREE full service hospitals. My physician husband was told he would have to see patients in 15 minute appts at the clinic he was to work in instead of the 20 minute segments he provided in solo practice and for which system he won awards. Just so the clinic could bill for the 'extra' 8 to 10 patients a day. He refused and, because primary care doctors were so scarce, he was able to do it his way.

[@k.p.9990]

I absolutely detest these corporate hospitals. Good for your husband to find a work around❤. As a patient how can we protest???

[@xstlady52]

@@k.p.9990 As patients, not a whole lot.

[@PollyWood67]

If pro-life people want parents to give birth to babies with severe genetic defects, then they have to work on healthcare that will allow these children the lifesaving care that they need and be affordable bu the parents. Saying that these conditions ar incompatible with life is, in part, due to the fact that doctors refuse to give these babies the care that they need and health insurance refuses to pay for it. That's a disgrace!

[@barbvillarreal7440]

Get that precious little girl some glasses that fit her❣️ 🤓

[@lorib4516]

STOP IT! It should be the MOTHERs choice if you find out there is an abnormality.Please tell me that this little girl ever grow up. The state doesn't want you to abort, but also doesn't want to help yor financially.

[@concernedcitizen8744]

I totally cannot understand why the government can find reasons to turn this child down for care and assistance. What could be their reasoning. Your efforts are not in vain. God is in charge.

[@missg.5940]

They only want them born..after that the parents are left to struggle. It is cruel and horrifying.

[@Tj-TrustJESUS]

Beyond PRECIOUS You are Georgia!! LORD BLESS YOU LORD BLESS YOU!! You are changing the world!!! ❤🙏

[@rohj4825]

We need protection of all humans life from moment of conception.

[@KaycieCarryl22654]

This is a beautiful story ❤

[@floricamihu3434]

🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RobertVonSeiffenstein]

thiose huge glasses, saw these in the 1960 s in the US.. still exist?

[@cochiefemeralds3616]

I know somebody personally with trisomy 18 a.k.a. Edward syndrome

[@PhD4me]

Happy 202four

[@malgorzatazofia2458]

Poland.The ban hat not helped. Women terminate pregnacies illegally and get sick. It is better to help and take care of families.