Jessica Border

On our way to meet the Border family

Today, Sunday was a day we had been anticipating, meeting another child with Pallister-Killian Syndrome, Jessica Border.  Jessica, who just celebrated her 18th birthday, was born to her parents when they were in their mid 20's in 1992.  Jason and I were anxious, and excited and a bit nervous about meeting them so we were glad the day had arrived.  One characteristic of PKS is that it is a "mosaic syndrome", not affecting every single chromosome throughout the body, therefore every case is somewhat different but we obviously still share a unique, rare bond.  Jessica has been through so much, over 80 surgeries, before she even turned 10.  No one deserves to go through that, especially a child, but she is a fighter and a very sweet little girl.  Jessica goes to school, she loves music and band class, she loves watching cartoons and eating spaghetti.  She can give herself a sippy cup, sit up, and move around.  As Dr. Bellis said "She is just a little human, that needs to be loved" and loved she is.  Her parents, her brother and his girlfriend, and her aunt were all there and their love was completely transparent.  They answered any questions we had, asked us questions-we found out that Jess and Lu were both born at the same hospital!, they smiled and laughed while sharing silly and sweet stories of their precious girl, and they shared stories of some of the trying times too.  Her dad talked about having a different set of expectations.  He told us how exciting it is as a parent to watch your child sit up for the first time, but when your child does it for the first time at age 5,  the joy is indescribable.  Their love for our little Lu was also obvious.  Her family took turns holding Lu, and remembering their Jess as a baby...we took pictures, we held Jessica's hands and felt her sweet soft skin and looked into her beautiful blue eyes,  and we just took time to get to know each other.  Jessica is sweet and innocent and pure.  It was so nice to meet them, and although Jason and I try not to think too much about the future, I'm glad we have the Borders as our friends.  As I took the picture of Lucia in Jessica's lap, I had a moment where I pictured them holding hands, skipping in heaven together... Thank you Borders for sharing your little angel with us today. 

Jessica and Lu

Jessica's awesome sweet brother, Nick and Lu

  Thank you Hunts for hosting a wonderful Thanksgiving on Thursday, thank you Mario for a beautiful, special birthday celebration for Linda on Saturday! Thank you Laurie Demetrio for purchasing a Lucia Light Tee!  Our prayers are also with Ed and Barbara in Indiana this week and Kingsley for a speedy recovery.  Thank you again Borders for sharing your sweet Jessica with us. We pray that Jessica has a healthy and happy 18th year and many more ahead.