Elissa’s Story: Compatible with Life

September 4, 2025

With Mama Bear Care, we often hear stories about parents with a prenatal diagnosis who are told that their babies are incompatible with life and still spend precious time with their families earth-side after delivery. However, we do not often get to share this story in regards to Trisomy 13, so Elissa’s story about her little Elisha is so exciting! Our Mama Bear, Elissa, was given the diagnosis of Trisomy 13 for her little son Elisha and given poor advice from medical staff. We are so thankful to hear Elissa’s story about Elisha, and we hope that her story brings you hope.

Thank you, Elissa, for sharing!

Elissa and Elisha’s Story: Compatible with Life

I was 16 weeks when we got the confirmation that Elisha had Trisomy 13. We were told he would not make it out of the womb. That if he did he would die shortly after. That lifesaving care was only done for parents who “couldn’t let go” because Trisomy 13 is incompatible with life. Thankfully, through social media I found that was not the case! 

Having Elisha impacted our family greatly. He was in the hospital from birth to 4.5 months. This meant I was at the hospital most of the time while my husband was caring for the other kids. Since being home, we have had a horrible experience with home nursing. We have no night nursing, even though we have been trying to fill the position since Elisha came home . . . so we are tired! On the other hand, Elisha has brought us so much joy. He smiles and laughs. He has likes and dislikes. He is blind and deaf, so touch and smell is huge for him. Both my husband and I enjoy taking care of him, and are trying to give him the best life possible. 

It is important for others to know He is truly a joy and a gift from God. It’s 100 percent worth the hard times. 

Beverly’s book [From Diagnosis to Delivery] was probably the most helpful thing I read during my pregnancy.

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

If you want to join us a monthly donor, you can find out more here.

Follow Mama Bear Care on Facebook and Instagram for more information and education on the various diagnoses parents face and their stories of hope.