A Night-and-Day Difference for Annie and Her Family

Annie is one of a kind. When Michelle and Andrew began navigating their daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis, they found solace in the fact that more genes distinguish Annie as her sweet, smiley self than define her condition.

 

At Michelle’s 20-week ultrasound, they learned their baby would have Down syndrome and an atrioventricular septal defect, or a hole in her heart. Seeking expert treatment and a closer support system, they returned home to the East Coast.

 

The weight of their fear and stress slowly dissipated at Children’s National Hospital. Their providers’ knowledge and help to simplify their appointments offered a deep sense of relief. Michelle and Andrew welcomed Annie to the world with the trust of a world-class care team in her corner, led by Kenneth Rosenbaum, MD, co-director of the Children’s National Down Syndrome Clinic and Mary Donofrio, MD, medical director of the Prenatal Cardiology Program.

 

“We didn’t have to think twice about whether Annie was getting the attention she needed,” Michelle says. “Her doctors were voices of assurance for us.”

 

While in the hospital, encouragement from nurses and surprises from child life specialists brightened special moments like Mother’s Day. Most memorably, the team allowed their older daughter, Margot, to visit and celebrate together.

 

On her two-month birthday, Annie received the gift of a successful surgery to repair her heart. 

 

“It was an amazing, night-and-day difference,” Michelle says. “She started acting like her normal, baby self just 48 hours after the surgery.”

 

Follow-up visits, medication and ultrasounds ensure she keeps growing stronger each day. And thoughtful education through the Down Syndrome Clinic empowers the whole family to feel supported.

 

At home, Margot takes her big sister duties seriously by checking on Annie first thing each morning and sharing giggles over hand puppets. They treasure their time as a family, with the comfort of having compassionate care in their backyard.