I noticed that there was a 10% chance that she would live longer than one year. I decided that 10% was better than no chance at all and I would give our baby the chance to live. I knew if I killed her, I would never forgive myself and would live the rest of my life wondering "what if". On November 8, 1999, I gave birth to a very beautiful little girl. We named her Carleigh Lauryn Grace and she is the light of our lives! She has Trisomy 18, congenital heart defects, Spina Bifida, Arnold Chiari Malformation, Hydrocephalus, and bilateral clubfeet.

Even with all her health problems and numerous doctor trips, she is alive and thriving. Had I listened to the doctors and terminated the pregnancy, I would not have had the privilege of knowing my beautiful little girl. I feel my child has just as much a right to life as any other child. To all parents expecting a Trisomy 18 baby, PLEASE do not terminate! Don't ever let a doctor tell you that you will never hold your baby. It is not their choice, it is God's choice. You are receiving your special baby for a reason - hold on to him or her for dear life. I will never regret my choice to keep my daughter.