99 Balloons

Okay so I am yet to learn how to down load videos onto my blog ...so bear with me in the meantime and click this link...it will take you to a video I watched today of young Baby Elliot who was born with Trisomy 18...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qILw1iFzmIE ...Okay so today I will get all biological on you.Trisomy 18 is a genetic condition that affects the 18th gene.There are 23 pairs of human chromosomes. In Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), there is an extra chromosome with the 18th pair. Like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 affects all systems of the body and causes distinct facial features. It is estimated to occur in 1 in 6,000-8,000 live births. Unfortunately, about 95% of fetuses die before birth, so the actual incidence of the disorder may be higher. Of those born, approximately 80% are females. Trisomy 18 affects individuals of all ethnic backgrounds.VST - (Ventricular Septal Defect - a hole between the lower chambers of the heart) , ASD (Atrial Septal Defect - a hole between the upper chambers of the heart), and coarctation of the aorta (a narrowing of the exit vessel from the heart), kidney abnormalities, omphalocele (a portion of the intestinal tract is located outside the stomach in a sac), esophageal atresia (the esophagus does not connect to the stomach, meaning the baby cannot eat by mouth), and polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), clenched hands, choroid plexus cysts (a pocket of fluid on the brain that is not problematic in itself but may be a marker for Trisomy 18), rocker bottom feet, and delayed growth, micrognathia (small jaw), low-set ears, and a strawberry-shaped head, as well as severe developmental delays..Then there is also Trisomy 13 which is more severe as it occurs lower in the chromosome arrangement - affects chromosome 13...then there is Trisomy 23 - Downs Syndrome which is more common today I am being the Bio geek that I am....So the link is of Baby Elliot who lived for 99 days and he was such an inspiration to his parents during his funeral they released 99 ballons in the air.......I just thought I should share the conditions and this tiny piece of heaven - Baby elliot...