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

Jarome's Story

Images Captured By Cindy Moleski Photography
www.cindymoleski.com

After having three daughters, Tiny Light Jarome was a delightful addition to his mother’s life. 

Since she was 38 when she had him, Jarome had been tested for abnormalities while in the womb and she was told that her son was fine.  After birth, he joined his elated family at home.

It was after a serious illness at three months and at the insistence of his mother that doctors finally tested Jarome for Down syndrome a second time. His mother was devastated to learn that he had tested positive.  What followed was a difficult period for the family.  After grappling with alcoholism, Jarome’s mother achieved sobriety and she credits her son as instrumental in her recovery.  With unique understanding, he brings her the AA book on days that he sees his mother struggling.

Today, Tiny Light Jarome is in school full time and enjoys Spiderman, Toopy & Binoo, coloring and playing with his dog Ace.  He is loving and sweet and loves to give hugs and make his family laugh.  He doesn’t speak in full sentences but he makes himself understood!  Jarome’s mother says, “Every day I thank God for Jarome, I am so lucky to have him in my life!”

written by Angela Funk