Celebrating the Blessings of Down Syndrome

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On September 24, 2026, Connie Credille watched in awe as her oldest daughter rode on the back of a gleaming convertible, clung to her smiling escort and waved at the cheering crowd.

Eighteen years earlier, Connie could never have imagined this moment. Yet, as she watched the homecoming parade make its way down the street, her heart overflowed with joy, pride, and thankfulness.

A Difficult Pregnancy and an Unexpected Diagnosis

In 2008, 30-year-old Connie and her husband, Jeff, were thrilled to learn they were expecting their first child. However, pregnancy quickly became a challenge because of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Although Connie longed for the misery of pregnancy sickness to end, her greatest concern was the well-being of her baby. She prayed the Lord would protect her child and keep her safely in the womb until she reached full term. To prevent preterm labor, Connie received weekly injections.

At 34 weeks’ gestation, Ava Credille was born. Her parents were able to hold her briefly before the NICU team moved her to the side of the room and began providing care. Shortly afterward, she was transferred to the NICU floor.

Relieved that their baby had been delivered safely, the new parents began celebrating the precious little girl who had made them a family of three. But forty-five minutes later, their world came crashing down. The neonatologist expressed serious concerns about possible leukemia and heart defects, along with suspicions of Down syndrome (DS).

Facing the Unknown

A week later, genetic testing confirmed that Ava had DS.

“We were in complete shock,” Connie told The Stand blog. “I was scared, sad, and angry, but DS didn’t seem as scary compared to leukemia and severe heart defects.”

Thankfully, Ava’s extremely high platelet count at birth, which had raised concerns about leukemia, returned to normal after three weeks, and leukemia was totally ruled out. At just 3 months old, Ava underwent open-heart surgery.

Once those major medical concerns were behind them, the couple breathed a sigh of relief. However, the reality of a lifelong diagnosis was beginning to settle in.

“My initial fears were that she would be severely disabled, not able to walk, and that we would have an extremely difficult life,” said Connie. “I was fearful that she wouldn’t fit in with peers and would have very few friends. Selfishly, I was sad for the life I dreamed of for her – a life filled with all the typical things little girls do, as well as being a wife and mother one day.”

During those early weeks and months, God provided the Credilles with all the strength and support they needed to face the unexpected. Family, friends, co-workers, and church members became constant sources of encouragement. Although they had no perfect words for the situation, they continually reassured the couple that everything would be fine.

“In those early days, I was grateful for everyone’s support, but I did not want advice from people without firsthand experience of DS – specifically those who did not have a child with DS in their immediate family,” explained Connie.

The words of a friend who also had a child with DS made such an impact that Connie still remembers them today. Her friend lovingly said, “I wish I could fast forward your life by a year or even five years so you can see what a blessing Ava will be.”

The Blessing of Ava

As Ava grew, every milestone became a major celebration. Talking, walking, and toilet training were significant accomplishments, but her entire family – even her therapists – rejoiced over every single thing she achieved.

When the time came for Ava to begin school, Connie was terrified.

“I was worried she wouldn’t be able to tell us if something happened to her or if she was being mistreated. I was also afraid her teachers wouldn’t challenge her appropriately, because she is very smart. I didn’t want her automatically placed in a self-contained environment without trying inclusion as much as possible.”

Now in the 11^th grade, Ava loves every aspect of school. In fact, she becomes upset when summer break or even holidays interfere with her school time. Throughout her educational experience, Connie says Ava has had amazing teachers and classmates who have loved her, challenged her and cheered her on.

According to Connie, Ava is extremely social and has a gift for encouraging others. She never forgets a face and can remember the birthdays and anniversaries of the special people in her life. She loves dancing, singing, music, and sports, especially attending Banana Baseball games. Ava also enjoys supporting her sister and brother in all their activities and is their biggest fan.

Most importantly, Ava loves Jesus. She is passionate about sharing her faith and does not like to miss church under any circumstances.

“Ava has taught me that I shouldn’t take anything for granted – life, health, small or large milestones. It’s all important,” stated Connie. “One of the most important things she has taught me is how to love through the eyes of Jesus and find joy in the simplest things.”

Honoring Ava at Homecoming

Once again, the Credilles were shocked when they learned Ava had been selected as one of two junior homecoming maids.

“Everyone told us they weren’t surprised that she was elected [by her peers],” Connie stated, “but we were. This showed how well her school included her with typically developing students, but it also demonstrates how well her school and community truly love and accept her, even with her differences.”

Ava was excited, surprised, and even tearful when she received the news. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to get dressed up and loved feeling beautiful. Her escort was her sister’s boyfriend, who is also her close friend and someone she trusts and feels completely comfortable with. He helped her to calmly navigate the large crowds at the parade and ballgame, patiently reassuring her when she became overwhelmed by the loud noises and activity.

As Connie watched Ava confidently walk across the field on homecoming night, she was amazed by how well her daughter was conquering her fears. Most of all, Connie was humbled by the abundance of love shown to Ava by the students and fans on both sides of the field.

This was the very daughter she feared would never walk, be accepted by her peers, or have friends.

“I am incredibly grateful that God has been faithful to us and replaced those fears and uncertainties with joy and thankfulness,” said Connie. “My prayer is that her life would continually point others to Jesus and that she would live life to the fullest, whatever that looks like for her.”

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV).

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