Inspiring others to take action, this mother-daughter duo has a powerful story to share. After facing years of infertility, Sarah Mitchell and her partner, Mark, learned that their baby might be born with a serious medical condition just months into the pregnancy. The doctors were unable to provide a clear prognosis for their future daughter, so they decided to carry the pregnancy to term, filled with hope for a healthy outcome.
Their daughter, Lily, arrived in November 2016, but the news was not what they had prayed for. Lily was diagnosed with lissencephaly, a rare genetic disorder characterized by a smooth brain that hinders proper neural development, along with microcephaly, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and partial blindness. You can follow their journey on Instagram here.
While there is currently no cure for Lily’s condition, there are treatment options available. Because of her diagnosis, she requires constant care, takes several medications daily, and has numerous medical appointments every week. This situation comes with significant emotional and financial burdens.
To help support her family, Sarah began selling T-shirts on Etsy, which led to the creation of “Lily’s Hope.” The response was overwhelming, and within a year, Sarah expanded her line to include jewelry, baby accessories, and even sibling T-shirts. Her collection also features women’s apparel with playful slogans like “Exhausted but Grateful” and “Every Great Mom Has a Story,” inspired by classic children’s literature.
In addition to managing Lily’s care, Sarah and Mark dedicate hours each week to meal planning (Lily follows a ketogenic diet), attending medical appointments, and juggling the daily responsibilities of parenting. Sarah also started crafting T-shirts to celebrate other children with special needs, donating 50% of her proceeds to assist their families with similar challenges. Check out the excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination at March of Dimes.
Sarah shares her wisdom with others, stating, “Life is a gift, and we often take tomorrow for granted.” Though she can only plan for one day at a time for Lily, she remains resolute, saying, “Doctors may tell me what Lily can’t achieve, but I refuse to accept that. It’s her journey, and I will be there for every step.”
If you would like to support Lily’s journey, please consider making a contribution here.
In summary, Sarah Mitchell is a remarkable example of resilience and love, using her experiences to uplift others facing similar circumstances.