Success isn't defined by the degrees you earn,
but by the degree you make a difference in this world.
Brandon Bosma
I was born with Mosaic Trisomy 18 weighing 2 lbs. and 12 oz. and spending my first 5 weeks of life in a hospital. Feeding was hard. Drinking 10 ml of milk took close to an hour. Eating sure isn't a problem now.
I always did things differently. Instead of crawling, I rolled around using my feet to read and grab stuff. Walking happened before crawling.
There were a lot of doctor appointments, therapies, and needles. Needles were my least favorite and one time it took 5 people to hold me down! They are still one of my least favorite things.
My Mom asked our geneticist how she would have counselled her, and she replied, "Abortion because of statistics." I was shocked to hear that and glad she didn't follow that advice..
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Now
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Now my goal is to change the dialogue around Trisomy 18 & Trisomy 13, showing they are not "Incompatible with Life." I believe it is important for medical providers to treat the symptoms and not the label. Using my voice, and sharing the stories of others, I speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. The exciting news is that change is happening - perspectives and definitions are being changed!
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Mom's Story
The day I found out that I was pregnant, I was on my knees with tears of joy streaming down my face. After a miscarriage, and a long period of time being unable to conceive, this was indeed cause for celebration!
The pregnancy was wonderful and I couldn't wait to meet this long-awaited precious one. With each visit, I was told that everything was progressing as it should. Towards the end of my pregnancy Brandon wasn't growing. His biophysical profile indicated that he was 2 pounds and 12 ounces. Read More...
The pregnancy was wonderful and I couldn't wait to meet this long-awaited precious one. With each visit, I was told that everything was progressing as it should. Towards the end of my pregnancy Brandon wasn't growing. His biophysical profile indicated that he was 2 pounds and 12 ounces. Read More...
Dad's Story
I will never forget the day that you were born. It was one of the most exciting days of my life. I was a little bit scared because your weight was so low and you were so little. I was ecstatic when I first saw you, but was a little afraid to even hold you at first.
When I heard you had Mosaic Trisomy 18, I was in shock. It was so tough to hear. So many things went through my mind. How long would you live? What would happen to you? It was tough to see that you couldn't crawl and that you would just roll around. It was so hard to see you struggle to do things.
When I watched how some kids would shun you and be nasty towards you it killed me inside. I am so proud of how you care for others and how willing you are to be their friends. You taught me a lot about forgiveness when I see how easily you forgive those who are not nice to you. Whenever I'm not feeling good, you always have an encouraging word for me. You are such a blessing, Brandon. I love you.
When I heard you had Mosaic Trisomy 18, I was in shock. It was so tough to hear. So many things went through my mind. How long would you live? What would happen to you? It was tough to see that you couldn't crawl and that you would just roll around. It was so hard to see you struggle to do things.
When I watched how some kids would shun you and be nasty towards you it killed me inside. I am so proud of how you care for others and how willing you are to be their friends. You taught me a lot about forgiveness when I see how easily you forgive those who are not nice to you. Whenever I'm not feeling good, you always have an encouraging word for me. You are such a blessing, Brandon. I love you.
Doctor Care
Note : Through the many Trisomy 18 blog sites on the web, a frequent comment is the negative attitude and care given by doctors. I am happy to say that we were blessed with a wonderful obstetrician and pediatrician.
Dr. James Boulton made a point of coming to see me later on during the day of Brandon's birth . When he found out that I was told that I wasn't physically ready to see my son due to complications with the anesthetic, he personally wheeled me down to see him. In a subsequent visit to his office, he broke down and cried saying, "There was nothing more endearing than watching you see Brandon for the first time." This came from a doctor who delivered countless babies throughout the years! He went above and beyond the call of duty by remaining on-call for me, and countless other acts of kindness. Read More...
Dr. James Boulton made a point of coming to see me later on during the day of Brandon's birth . When he found out that I was told that I wasn't physically ready to see my son due to complications with the anesthetic, he personally wheeled me down to see him. In a subsequent visit to his office, he broke down and cried saying, "There was nothing more endearing than watching you see Brandon for the first time." This came from a doctor who delivered countless babies throughout the years! He went above and beyond the call of duty by remaining on-call for me, and countless other acts of kindness. Read More...