Dawson’s Story: 18 Years with Trisomy 18, Advocacy, and Choosing Joy

Описание: In this episode of SOFT’s Talking Trisomy Podcast, Nick sits down with Renae Bradley, a longtime SOFT member and Conference Director, to share the powerful story of her son Dawson, who lived 18 meaningful years with Trisomy 18.

Renae reflects on adoption, early NICU conversations, advocacy, and the medical support that helped Dawson thrive — including life-changing interventions like airway support, feeding support, and heart surgery. Along the way, she shares what she wishes every new or expectant family could hear: you are not alone, and your child deserves to be treated as a child — not a diagnosis.

This conversation is for:

families who have received a prenatal or postnatal Trisomy 18 diagnosis

families navigating medical decisions and complex care

clinicians and supporters who want to better understand family-centered trisomy care

anyone seeking hope, perspective, and real-life stories that help change the narrative

SOFT supports families impacted by Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, and related conditions — and we respect every trisomy journey.
If you need support, visit trisomy.org and use the Contact Us form to connect with our community.

Key themes in this episode:

Trisomy 18 and medical decision-making

Adoption and honoring birth parents

Building a team with clinicians while advocating firmly

Choosing joy while living with uncertainty

Grief, legacy, and community support through SOFT

#Trisomy18 #TalkingTrisomy #SOFTCommunity #TrisomySupport #RareDiseaseFamilies #FamilyCenteredCare