In this heartfelt episode of Child Life On Call, Courtney Morey shares her journey as a mom navigating her daughter Annie’s diagnoses of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), a ventricular septal defect (VSD), and pulmonary hypertension. From the shock of receiving unexpected news during pregnancy to enduring a long hospital stay after open-heart surgery, Courtney opens up about advocacy, faith, and the incredible strength of community. Her vulnerability and determination to turn hardship into purpose will inspire families and healthcare providers alike.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Courtney and her husband learned about Annie’s diagnosis during the pandemic
• The challenges and lessons of navigating Annie’s NICU and CICU stays
• The role of advocacy, community, and support groups in their journey
• Annie’s resilience and personality as she grows into toddlerhood
• Courtney’s vision to create a resource hub for families facing medical parenthood
  

Resources & Mentions:

• Annie Louise Foundation – A resource hub for parents and caregivers
• Follow Courtney on Instagram

🎉 Special Thank You for Our Listeners! 🎉

We’re giving you free access to our most popular pediatric masterclasses — How to Prepare, Support, and Respond to Your Child During Shots, Blood Draws, and Vaccines and How to Use Comfort Positioning in Pediatrics — a $250 value, completely free! All you have to do is leave a written review of the Child Life On Call podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, then email a screenshot of your review to podcast@childlifeoncall.com. Once we receive it, you’ll get instant access to both courses — no strings attached. It’s our way of saying thank you for listening and helping more parents discover our show. 💛

Keywords: Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21, congenital heart defect, VSD, pulmonary hypertension, NICU, ECMO, parent advocacy, child life, Spoony Threads, SupportSpot

The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.