down syndrome baby

Kylee was gracious enough to come on our podcast this week and share the story of her little boy, McKrae. Kylee and her husband, Kale were so excited in March of 2022 to bring a new baby into their family. What they didn't know, was that they were delivering a baby with down syndrome into a hospital that didn't have the staff or a NICU to give them the right kind of care.

McKrae's health was also put to the test during his first few months of life, when he started to have unexplained seizures. Kylee tells us about how she recognized what his seizures were, and how they have been working with doctors to make sure his health continues to improve.

Every year in the US, 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome. It's a genetic condition when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. It can be diagnosed through prenatal screenings, and can also be diagnosed after birth with a physical exam, and a blood test.

McKrae is going to be one year old this month, and we couldn't help but share his story with all of our listeners. His diagnosis doesn't change how perfect and special he is, and Kylee won't let it hold him back from accomplishing anything he wants to!

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Crystal is talking with Nicole Pollastrini, a wonderful mama to three kids. When Nicole and her husband first decided to grow their family, it wasn’t on their radar that their daughter Sage might be born with a disability. Listen as Nicole walks through the thoughts and emotions that she experienced following her daughter’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, and how her outlook has changed over the past three years. Don’t miss this open conversation about the real fears, challenges, and blessings of being a special needs mama.

See a photo of Sage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast

Download the booklet My Baby Has a Disability: Life-Giving Questions and Answers

For questions, email podcast@joniandfriends.org

*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.

www.joniandfriends.org*