ATLANTA – A Georgia baby born prematurely is beating the odds.
Brayleigh Christine Richard was born with trisomy 18, a genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome. Sabrina Bowens-Richard said she and her husband leaned on the March of Dimes after receiving the news of their daughter's diagnosis.
“I couldn’t think of another organization to turn to to help provide that support, provide resources, given our situation that we were in,” Bowens-Richard said.
“March of Dimes helps to support families and premature babies, especially when they're in the NICU and going through a time and experiencing things that they may not have been prepared for,” Cheryl Monkhouse of the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter said.
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In October, Brayleigh celebrated a milestone that 90 to 95 percent of babies with trisomy 18 never accomplish: She celebrated her first birthday. Brayleigh also graduated from hospice care and is receiving weekly therapy.
“She just reminds us that regardless of what you're going through, keep a smile on your face, fight, push through,” Bowens-Richard said.
The nonprofit organization is raising awareness of babies like Brayleigh at this year's March for Babies walks around Metro Atlanta.
Cox Media Group
