Inspiring Life Despite A Diagnosis

Tessier Cleft lip gives Christian a very different appearance from other kids but he is a typical 6-year-old that brings his family joy every day.

When their son is born with Achondroplasia, Kelly and Zac rely on God for comfort and strength in order to find peace with their new family dynamic.

When Jackie was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, her mom was overwhelmed by all of her impairments. Since then, she's learned to enjoy every day with her.

Josh and Megan learned to embrace their lives with their son who has Apert syndrome. He requires a lot of surgeries but they see him as a complete joy.

Evanna was born with DiGeorge syndrome. A 400-day hospital stay wasn't easy for her parents but it strengthened their marriage and love for their daughter.

A routine prenatal ultrasound showed Katherine's baby had shorter limbs than was typical.  Baby Arabella was misdiagnosed with fatal disorders twice while in utero.  Katherine and Jeff refused to terminate the pregnancy and they are so glad they did.  It wasn't until she was born that they got an official diagnosis of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.  Arabella is now a beautiful 2-year-old who has touched many lives. Parents Continue Pregnancy After First Fatal Misdiagnosis Katherine and Jeff got a more detailed ultrasound at a university hospital.  "When we went for that scan, both of us were really at peace going into it," Katherine said.  They were fine with the thought of their daughter living with them for the rest of their lives.  All they wanted to know was what was wrong with her. The first person they met with after the scan was a genetic counselor.  She told them that their baby was not doing very well.  "That was such a shock because we had just watched her dance across the screen, and she was so full

Karen was surprised when her son was born with Down syndrome. She hopes that through her work, the world will be more accepting of those with disabilities.

When her son was born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Lauricia relied on family and outside resources for support and to learn about this rare disorder.

Heather suffered a traumatic brain injury as a child which changed the course of her life. Her parents chose to be grateful for the miracles along the way.

Angie worried about what her daughter's life with Stromme syndrome would be like. She has come to learn that the world is full of loving, caring people.

Mandy is glad she didn't terminate her pregnancy when her unborn son was diagnosed with Hydrops Fetalis. His short life meant everything to his family.

During Tori's pregnancy, she contracted CMV which resulted in Lana being born with cerebral palsy. This family finds joy every day despite the struggles.

Casey was devastated to find out her baby had a limb difference. Once he was born, however, all her fears disappeared and she is humbled to be his mother.

Kimber's Prader-Willi syndrome diagnosis came as a relief to her parents. Her parents are grateful to have a daughter who is an inspiration to many.

Avianna was diagnosed with PPP2R5D, a very rare disorder, at age 3. Her parents learned the best thing they can do for her is being her strongest advocate.

It was discovered in utero that Ava would have PRS just like her dad. Jenna and Dan know what to expect but still rely on each other during challenges.

Sarah had an ultrasound scare at a 20 week prenatal appointment. At a subsequent appointment with a specialist, she was told her baby was fine and not to worry. So after Betty was born, Sarah was shocked when a pediatrician told her she was global developmental delayed. After many appointments and genetic testing, Betty was diagnosed with Potocki-Shaffer syndrome. Although Potocki-Shafffer syndrome is very rare, Sarah rallied and found online support groups, and other families with similar circumstances. She has an  awesome website, Bringing Up Betty, and does a Podcast that helps bring special needs families together.

During a prenatal ultrasound, Miggy was told all of her baby's limbs were either misshapen, deformed, or missing bones all together. Doctor's diagnosed her daughter with Microgastria and Limb Reduction Complex.  Her daughter is now 7, and is beautiful, bright and has a great sense of humor. She has learned to adapt to the world around her; using her feet as if they were hands. Miggy has been an amazing advocate for her daughter, and for other special need families and children. She has as fantastic blog, This Little Miggy, where she does a "special needs spotlight" and has shared  over 150 stories.

Ann has been a tireless advocate for her daughter Chrissy, who was diagnosed with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy and a seizure disorder when she was almost a year old. Chrissy was born in the 1970's when there were few resources. There was little area support for for Ann or Chrissy, so Ann created her own program, and parent network. She lobbied and joined the legislative coalition. She was laughed at, people told her she would never succeed or get funding for her program. Ann proved them wrong.

Pierre Robin Sequence is often found in-utero, but Jessica's baby girl Eliana was not diagnosed until shortly after birth. Jessica talks about the joys and challenges she has faced while caring for Eliana.