About Trisomy18 (T18)
The second most common chromosomal disorder

A  trisomy refers to the third appearance of a particular chromosome, in the case of Trisomy 18: the 18th chromosome.  Trisomy 18 is the second most common chromosomal disorder, occurring in 1 in 3000-8000 live births (depending on your source).  The most common, Trisomy 21, may be more familiar to you as Downs Syndrome.  

The extra genetic material created by this additional chromosome causes various developmental deficiencies in these children.  Sadly, as a result of these issues, babies born with Trisomy 18 often won’t live to see their first birthday.  
           
At the Molly Bear Foundation we strive to assist in providing a better life for those parents and children fortunate enough to be living with Trisomy 18 up to and beyond that first birthday.  By providing supplemental funding to these families we hope to relieve some of the stress that accompanies raising a child with special needs, and help improve the quality of life for those little ones beating the odds.

While the statistics are daunting and the definitions frightening, these special children and their courageous families touch the lives of everyone around them.  We encourage you to visit our Family Profiles page and view the photos and videos of Molly Elizabeth; these provide a much more accurate description of life with Trisomy 18.

There are a number of organizations dedicated to providing research and resources to the Trisomy 18 cause.  We encourage you to visit their web sites to learn more about Trisomy 18.  Some worth noting include:

www.trisomy18.org
www.trisomy.org
www.noahsneverendingrainbow.org