~**~FACES OF TRISOMY~**~

~FACES OF TRISOMY~(click here for link to website)

~As we near the end of MARCH, which is also TRISOMY AWARENESS MONTH, I'd like to share this beautiful video montage with you. Please watch it with compassion in your hearts, and know the unconditional love that we Trisomy parents feel for our children.

Bennett-Chadlen was born with Trisomy 13. His 3rd birthday is approaching in a week's time, March 29. My heart is heavy with the pain of his loss, but these images give me HOPE that we are entering into a world where these children will be widely accepted, and parents will be understood. We cherished the gift, the blessing, that our beloved children are to us. Nimkee's spirit is alive and well in our home, and in our hearts forever.

~Much Love, Peace, & Nimkee blessings to you and yours......Melissa xxoo

Here is what the photographer shared on the Hope for Trisomy 13 & 18 site:

"Faces Of Trisomy by Jude Wolpert

March is Trisomy Awareness month. I photographed this series of portraits at the SOFT (Support for Families with Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders) conference in Roanoke, Virginia during July 2009. I am trying to raise awareness that while only 10% of these kids survive their first year the ones that do live a rich life. Expectant parents are often told that Trisomy is incompatible with life and I am trying to share their unique beauty through these digital images. These children and young adults do not pose for photographs but can be captured being themselves, living in the moment. Most are non-verbal so I see it as an honor to help tell their stories visually."

~TRISOMY 13 AWARENESS VIDEO~

~THIS is a beautiful video created by a friend and fellow Trisomy 13 Mommy---Micayla, Mommy to Angel Faith. Please watch and share with others, so that everyone can see the true face of Trisomy 13.

Sadly, many never hear of Trisomy 13, aka Patau Syndrome, until their own prenatal diagnosis. Trisomy and nature do not discriminate. There is currently no way to prevent this, nor is there a cure. Quite often, Trisomy 13 is not diagnosed prenatally until half-way through the pregnancy---as is what occurred with my own prenatal journey with Bennett-Chadlen.

We formed a bond with our sweet boy and then the devastating prognosis was delivered. I have to say that despite the fact that I knew his time here on Earth may be short, I looked forward to every prenatal visit. I cherish the memory of each peak we had by ultra-sound, and I remember the sound of his heart beating inside of me. The birth of my son Nimkee was one of the most amazing days of my life.

As you will see in this video montage, many families love and treasure the time that they have received with their little ones.

Many children are continuing to thrive, and you may see some of their beautiful, smiling faces here!

Much Love, Peace, & Nimkee blessings to all, especially our special Trisomy families....XXOO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE0IVJjPidM

~Highlighting CDH ~ Denise's quilt

http://www.freewebs.com/angelryandesigns/cdhquilt.htm

~My friend Denise made this beautiful quilt in Honour & Memory of all of our dear CDH* babies who were born affected by this devastating birth defect. More information can be found at the links on the lower right of this page.

{*CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA}

~Here is another graphic design made by Denise to help spread awareness for CDH.

~Sending lots of Love, Peace, & Nimkee blessings to all families who lives have been affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.....xxoo

~THANKS DENISE! Remembering Angel Ryan & Angel Jesse always......(((HUGS)))

~BENNETT~CHADLEN~*~NICU DAYS~

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

~photos courtesy of Lifespark Photography, http://lifespark.ca , Heather Renee Morgan.

~These pics were taken during Bennett-Chadlen's stay in the NICU at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

~Much love and Nimkee blessings to those who understood and accepted our unconditional love and pure desire to have Bennett-Chadlen in our lives for as long as possible. Our lives have been forever touched by this beautiful, courageous soul.

~Gzaagin Nimkee, Baamaapii Gawaabmin, Until We Meet Again xxoo