When she was told that her one-week-old daughter had Down’s Syndrome, Vicki was so broken that she collapsed in tears.
This was her first baby and she just could not believe what an unfortunate development it was. She thought about her hopes and dreams for her baby girl and how this might be the end for them.
Her husband, Eddie, even admitted that if they discovered this during the pregnancy, he might have considered an abortion.
But Lily, their baby girl, had brought more joy to their life since that heartbreaking diagnosis. Even better, the adorable cutie recently won a nationwide modelling contract, making her a huge sensation.
Vicki admitted to feeling so sad when she heard that news a week after Lily was born. “I fell on the floor. It was horrendous, my whole world fell apart in an instant. Eddie held me as I knelt on the floor in our kitchen, crying like I never thought it was possible to cry,” she said.
“I was grieving for all the plans and dreams that had been taken away from me. I’m now ashamed of the way I reacted – as if Lily had died.”
Days later, the couple decided to stop grieving and appreciate their beautiful girl. Their determination paid off and soon, Lily was developing better than anyone had hoped.
She was hitting her milestones and because of her condition, the couple admitted that there was even more joy when she achieved something, making things all the more special for them.
Eddie also mentioned that she was not that different from other two-year-olds. “I come home from work and every single night and she makes me pick her up, go to the kitchen and put some music on to dance with her – no different from other two-year-olds. Her favourite musician is Bruno Mars.”
One day, something so unexpected happened. They received a call from a modelling agency who expressed their interest in signing Lily. The talent scouts worked for a fashion chain named Matalan and Lily was selected to model the Spring/Summer range for 2017, She was invited in for a photo shoot and her face soon appeared in stores and campaigns nationwide.
Vicki said: “Last week I walked into Matalan and saw the massive picture. Lily came in saw herself and immediately signed her own name. It was a lovely moment.”
Now Vicki helps and inspires other parents with kids that have Down’s Syndrome. Her story has even inspired someone to refuse and abortion and continue on to give birth to her Down’s baby.
