A Life-Changing Arrival

In October 2019, Rachel Campos-Duffy and her husband, Sean Duffy, welcomed their ninth child, Valentina StellaMaris Duffy. Born a month early, Valentina came into the world with Down syndrome and a serious heart condition requiring immediate care. Rachel remembers the moment clearly: “When she was born, I just held her and thought, ‘This is the sweetest, most perfect thing we have ever seen.’”

Despite the challenges, Valentina displayed remarkable strength from the very beginning.

Weeks in the NICU

Valentina spent seven weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. Rachel describes this period as both terrifying and humbling. She recalls the first time she held Valentina without wires and monitors as “a small miracle in a very uncertain time.” Sean stayed steadfast by her side, and the family leaned heavily on prayer and the unwavering support of their loved ones. Rachel expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, saying, “We’re so thankful for your prayers.”