Rachel's Story

Images Captured by Melissa DePape Photography

Meet Tiny Light Rachel. With three lovable brothers to keep her busy, this little one never ceases to amaze those around her with her happy spirit.


Before Rachel was even born, doctors diagnosed her with having Trisomy 18, otherwise known as Edwards Syndrome. Edwards Syndrome is a rare chromosome disorder in which an individual has a third copy of material from chromosome 18. Due to the nature of the disorder, it has often been characterized by the medical community as a disorder that is “incompatible with life.”


Although the view of the disorder from the medical community was very difficult to deal with, Rachel’s parents persevered and underwent a very “...scary pregnancy, full of sorrow and confusion, hoping against hope that she might be one of the rare ones.” 


Despite the fact that Rachel has medical challenges, she is a very happy child and provides a “constant ray of sunshine” in her family’s home. Like every other child her age, she “smiles, laughs, waves and plays with her toys.” Her joy continues to inspire her family on a daily basis, and they consider her “...a miracle from heaven...[and]...wouldn’t trade her for the world.”


Story by Stephanie Bond