Nevaeh's Story

Images Captured by D4 Photography

Tiny Light Nevaeh is always ready with a smile, a hug and a big beautiful
laugh. This spunky four year old girl has shown everyone that life is full of
love…all we need to do is get out there and live.

Nevaeh was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Doctors were also
concerned about heart defects – atrial and ventricular septal defects – as
well as fluid in the lungs.  Though parents Melissa and Corey were
hopeful the heart would heal on their own, Nevaeh had to undergo
surgery at six months. Then at one year, this tough little girl had another
operation to correct craniosynostosis – a birth defect that causes the
sutures on a baby’s head to close too early.

Though the road hasn’t always been easy, especially dealing with
misconceptions about children with Down syndrome, Nevaeh is happy
and healthy. She loves to read books and mother her baby dolls. She is
especially good at drawing rainbows and enjoys breaking out the dance
moves with her younger sister. Communication is a challenge, but
Nevaeh knows over 200 signs.

This Tiny Light has a wonderful future in front of her and no matter
what path she chooses, her family will stand proudly at her side.
“Nevaeh is amazing. She has shown me that so many of us complain
and take things for granted. Enjoy the little things because we all know
it is the little things that make life worth living.”

Story Written by Elaine Yong

Isabelle's Story

Meet Tiny Light Isabelle. This sweet five year old enjoys the simple things in life and loves being around people. Her favorite activities include blowing bubbles, playing with balloons, throwing and kicking a ball, and painting. She also loves playing with her dog Keida and going to kindergarten.

When she was born, Isabelle’s parents were surprised to find out their daughter had Down syndrome. They knew that having a child after the age of 40 was risky, but the pregnancy had gone smoothly and they were assured by their doctor that everything appeared normal. Isabelle spent the first month of her life in the hospital while her mother spent hours traveling back and forth from the hospital to their home to help support Isabelle's older sisters.

 Her parents are concerned about their daughter’s health, social skills, and ability to learn, but Isabelle has proven that she is capable of doing some amazing things. Sometimes her parents worry about her progress in a particular area, but then she’ll surprise them by overcoming yet another obstacle. She has proven time and time again that her diagnosis won’t stop her and her parents hope that with time, she will gain independence and live a happy and fulfilling life.

 While their lives have changed and challenges continue to arise, Isabelle has had an incredibly positive impact on her family. “We have reached milestones together, both successes and failures, which all bring us closer as a family. That's really what it's all about....loving each other for what makes us different. Isabelle reminds us of that every day!”

Story by Emily Harrison

Jayme's Story

Images Captured By Jodie Hadden Photography

22 month old Jayme is a happy little girl who loves swimming, hugging,
people watching and laughing. And this Tiny Light is known for her
infectious giggle!

Jayme arrived in August 2011 after a healthy, full-term pregnancy but
soon after was diagnosed with Down syndrome. It was a shock to her
parents, who were also faced with the news that Jayme had a heart
defect. At just two months old she underwent open heart surgery.

Understandably, for parents Christie and Scott there have been some
tough days. They've worried about Jayme's quality of life and her
future. But the past few years have also shown them they are supported
by an amazing family and friends.

Despite any challenges, Jayme has given her family unconditional love.
And in turn they have come to realize that she can live a long,
healthy and happy life. One that will be even happier this summer,
when Jayme will become a big sister.

Written by Catherine Urquhart

Joseph's Story

Images Captured by Jodie Hadden Photography

Tiny Light Joseph is a loving, beautiful six-year old who is just finishing kindergarten. He is very close to his younger brother Sebastien and they love to play the iPad game Angry Birds together. Joseph also likes to wrestle with his dad and brother and bake cookies with his mommy.

Joseph has faced a lot of health challenges in his young life. He has been diagnosed with Down syndrome as well as atlantoaxial instability -- which is a problem with the alignment of his spinal cord. He also suffers from celiac disease -- an immune reaction to gluten -- and sleep apnea. Joseph has had five surgeries to put tubes in his ears to drain fluid and may need hearing aids.

But Joseph is doing his best to overcome his obstacles. Because of his hearing loss, he and his family have had to use sign language and this Tiny Light understands over 200 words. He also has an uncanny ability to read and recognize some words; he can pick out his favourite song on the iPod every time. While Joseph has a number of procedures ahead of him, his parents are optimistic about his future. "He perseveres and never gives up, be it on a level of Angry Birds or mastering the writing of his name," his mother says. "We are very proud of him."

Written by Karis Sengara