Toddler With Down Syndrome Beats Cancer Twice Before Turning 2-Years-Old

Oct 25, 2019

Premature baby Grace, who arrived two months early, struggled with health issues since the day she was born. Grace’s parents were aware that she would have Down syndrome, but unfortunately, doctors had more difficult news to deliver. It was discovered that she had a transient myeloproliferative disorder, a type of leukemia.

For Grace to have the best shot at a full recovery, it was recommended that she undergo chemotherapy right away. "She was a little over four pounds and getting chemotherapy at 2 days old. I did a lot of crying and a lot of praying," her mother, Valerie, told People. 

Fortunately, Grace’s response to treatment was favorable. She was finally able to go home with her parents. However, Grace began to show health concerns again. “She was only home for a little bit and she started to get sick again,” Valerie said. “Since she’s been born, I’ve only had her home for about five or six months. She’s been in and out of the hospital.”

Upon returning to the hospital for testing it was discovered that Grace had developed a second form of Leukemia. “I was so heartbroken. When they told me initially that there was a chance of it coming back, I didn’t really give it much thought,” Valerie told People. But when Grace was given the second diagnosis, “when they told me, I thought ‘Oh my God, what’s going to happen?’ But we wanted to fight for her,” she said. Grace underwent five rounds of intense chemotherapy. 

The infant had to stay in the hospital for eight months because of the risk of infection, according to Inside Edition. 

Grace would go on to beat cancer for a second time and return home. When she left the hospital after her months-long stay, a slew of hospital staff lined the halls while Grace’s mom wheeled her out. 

“I was so relieved. I felt like somebody had knocked the wind out of me for the longest time. When I got the news that I could take her home, I was like, ‘I can breathe now,’ ” Valerie says.

“It felt good but strange because most of my time with her had been at the hospital. When I got to have her home, it felt good because now I can be the mom. I can be the mom 100 percent.”

Valerie says that Grace is a happy and healthy baby despite the hurdles she had to overcome at such a young age. 

Grace will hopefully celebrate a healthy childhood from now on. Do your part to uplift others with her story of resilience and triumph.