Brooke’s Story: Immense Significance

October 8, 2025

Our Mama Bear story today comes from Brooke, mother of Skylar who was born with Trisomy 18. Like many moms who receive a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis for their baby, she was pressured to abort her baby, because “there was no hope.” We find that there is beautiful hope in the moments mama bears get to spend with their baby during their pregnancy and the special surprise moment that may come after delivery.

Brooke and Skylar’s story shows how each life is precious and has IMMENSE SIGNIFICANCE.

Brooke and Skylar’s Story: Immense Significance

Skylar was born with Trisomy 18. We learned about her diagnosis through early genetic testing at 12 weeks pregnant. We were told that she would likely pass at some point in my pregnancy, and if she did by chance live, she wouldn’t have a quality of life. We were strongly encouraged to terminate. I knew in my heart I wanted to fight for my baby girl. It wasn’t my place or any doctor’s place to play God. At the end of my pregnancy, we were offered comfort care; we were told we’d have minutes to hours with her. But I knew God had bigger plans. She was born on December 6, 2022, breathing on her own. She stayed in the NICU for 72 days, finally graduated on February 15th, and we got to bring her home. We were blessed with two weeks at home as a family before she went to be with Jesus on March 1, 2023.

The loss of Skylar was devastating to our family, but we know we will be with her again one day.

I want to convey to others that Skylar’s life held immense significance. To doctors, she was diagnosed with a terminal condition, but to us, she was our daughter first and foremost, and our love for her was unconditional. She was a true miracle and a gift from God. I am incredibly grateful for every moment and cherished memory we shared with her. I wish there was greater awareness and that doctors would not stigmatize these children as a whole but would treat each child individually. No child should be denied life-saving medical care based on the number of chromosomes they possess.

Finding diagnosis to delivery [Mama Bear Care’s Facebook group] early in my pregnancy was such a blessing. It was nice to know I wasn’t alone in my journey. I will never forget the kindness and support I received from Beverly.

Do you have your own diagnosis that you are experiencing? Do you need support? Join our Facebook group here.

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