Because Karen was born with Trisomy 18, doctors predicted that there was little
hope for her life. As the reader journeys through the pages of Baby Karen's life,
joining those who were profoundly touched by the courage and determination displayed in Karen's struggle to stay alive; they will agree that this tiny child's life was a lesson in hope.
From an incubator at four days as she prepared to go by ambulance to a larger hospital to a four-month "jig" to celebrate her victory at beating the odds, Karen continued to amaze the doctors and nurses.
Trisomy 18 babies often don't live past the first month, so her family celebrated her first-month birthday. When she had gastrostomy surgery at six months, her family and friends celebrated the six-month milestone at the hospital. Most Trisomy 18 babies don't make it to one year. Her family was preparing to celebrate her first birthday. About a week before the special day, her weak immune system came face to face with pneumonia. This time Karen didn't beat the odds. Although she lost the battle, God won the war. He revealed His love and compassion through this tiny baby in day-to-day miracles. Karen's funeral was packed with people whose lives had been changed because they knew her. Our little angel went home.