06/06/2026
ICYMI: The internet is blowing up with posts like this, in reaction to an influencer (Jesse Ridgway) whose child had a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome - so (like 90% of similar cases in the US), the child was aborted.
Yesterday a well known YouTuber, Jesse Ridgway announced to the world that he and his wife aborted their baby due to a prenatal diagnosis of down syndrome.
I will not debate freedom of choice with anyone. What I will say is that we are saddened that the Ridgeway Family was so misinformed and so under-educated about Trisomy 21 that not only did they make a very personal (and in my opinion tragic decision), but in doing so they helped to perpetuate the stereotypes and misinformation that so many of us in the down syndrome community work hard to combat every day.
We are so sorry that you were misinformed, Jesse. But we are here to tell you and the world that our child is in fact not “objectively sh*tty from a health perspective”. (Yes, that is a direct quote.) In fact, our child is sturdy as an ox and has more energy that should be allowed in a little human body. He is also loving and kind. He is compassionate and he is smart. Did I mention that he is also funny? That kid has the kind of comedic timing that cannot be taught. It is just his nature.
People often ask (criticize) us for being so active on social media with Wilson. This story right here is exactly why we do what we do. Each day we try to reach just 1 more person to show them what a meaningful and full life someone with down syndrome can live.
The Ridgways have a huge social media following. Their influence and how they have handled this tragic situation is going to have far reaching negative implications in our community. Now more than ever we have to be vocal and share what life really looks like in a family with a child who has down syndrome.
We also struggled with their posts in feeling like they were posted for reaction. For more clicks. More follows. This is a deeply personal situation and should never have been used for self promotion.
And yes, we will speak to that as well. We often get asked about “all the money” we make off social media and our cookbook with Wilson. And yes, we do monetize on social media and do earn book royalties. But you know what that money does? It allows us to support things like Special Olympics, local special needs sports activities, our local Down Syndrome group, activities at Wilson’s school and classroom and just this coming week we are hosting a camp at our church for children with special needs. So yes, while we do earn a little income from our social media presence everything we do is in support of Wilson and advocating for our special needs community.
While we are at it we will also point fingers at the medical community who continues to put fear into expectant parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis like ours. Doctors – do better. Be better.
As for us, we are only ever a phone call or message away for anyone who has questions about what our lives look like. I can only hope that some messages of positivity and strength can come from this otherwise sad story.
