Rick and Karen Santorum's inspiring story of life with Bella, their special-needs youngest child
On May 13,2008, the Santorums welcomed their eighth child into the world. Isabella Maria was born with a rare genetic condition called Trisomy 18, or Edward's Syndrome. Only 10 percent of children with Trisomy 18 are born alive, and 90 percent of those children do not make it to their first birthday. Faced with these bleak statistics, doctors told the family to prepare for Bella's death. Instead, they chose to celebrate her life.
During the next seven miraculous years, the Santorum family adjusted to life with a special-needs child and watched her transform the lives of her family. In days of sickness and joy, Bella became an inspiration to everyone around her, and, ultimately, to the nation. The full story of life with Bella has never been told until now. Bella's Gift details the peaks and valleys, the joys and sufferings, and the incredible value of life with a special-needs child.
This inspiring family memoir explores what it means to embrace and celebrate the life of each person and find hope, even in the midst of painful challenges. In a world that often measures worth according to usefulness, Bella's story is a reminder that our real value lies in our capacity to love.
