Julissa R - Family Connection of South Carolina

Julissa R, age 1

Photograph by Liane Almeida (2022)

Julissa has a strong character and is very smart, sweet, and loving. Even at such a young age, she is already able to understand sign language. When Julissa wants something, nothing can stop her from achieving it as she has a very strong desire to learn. She loves to laugh, play outside in her horse carriage, and spend time with her family.

Julissa inspires her family to keep going no matter what.Julissa has a diagnosis of Down syndrome and is the joy of her family. Her mom reflects upon the moment Julissa was first put in her arms: “I knew we would have challenges with her, but also that we would learn new things every day through her.” Julissa has the ability and will to overcome any challenge that comes her way.

Today, her mom says, “We thank God because He sent her to us just as she is. We would not change one hair about her, because she is beautiful. She is love.”

Julissa tiene un carácter fuerte, ella es muy inteligente, dulce y amorosa. Aun a su corta edad, ella ya es capaz de entender lenguaje de señas. Cuando Julissa quiere algo, nada puede detenerla de lograrlo, porque ella tiene un fuerte deseo de aprender. A ella le encanta reír, jugar afuera en su carruaje y pasar mucho tiempo con su familia. Julissa inspira su familia a seguir adelante sin importar las dificultades.

Julissa tiene un diagnóstico de síndrome de down y ella es la alegría de la familia. Su madre recuerda el momento en el que tuvo a Julissa en sus brazos por primera vez: “Yo sabía que habría desafíos con ella, pero también que nosotros aprenderíamos nuevas cosas todos los días a través de ella.” Julissa tiene la habilidad y la determinación de vencer cualquier desafío que se atraviese en su camino.

Hoy, su madre dice, “Nosotros agradecemos a Dios porque él la envío a nosotros tal cual como ella es. Nosotros no cambiaríamos ni un solo cabello de ella, porque ella es hermosa. Ella es amor.”

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.