Couple Were Devastated to Learn Twins Have Down Syndrome – Now They’re Proud to Be Their Parents

A doctor shared what he believed was heartbreaking news with a couple expecting twins. But after the parents met their precious daughters with Down syndrome, they knew they would never change a thing about them.

Abigail and Isobel Parry are a one-in-a-million set of twins. Born with Down syndrome in June 2011, the girls were a miracle for their parents, Jodi and Matt Parry.

The couple had faced various opinions about their decision to keep their daughters. Jodi recalled a doctor giving them the test results and apologizing—something the mother didn't understand.

They Could Still Live a Good Life

Police force worker Jodi and civil servant Matt initially felt as if their "whole world had ended" and life would never be as they imagined because of the diagnosis, but things changed when Abigail and Isobel were born. Jodi was no longer devastated and shared:

"[The doctor] said he was sorry that Abigail and Isobel had Down Syndrome. To this day, I'll never know what he was sorry for."

Her husband felt the same and said he didn't care how many chromosomes his daughters had. The couple knew their twins would face health concerns and develop slower than other kids their age, but it did not mean they couldn't live a good life.

The Proud Parents

The girls were born prematurely and spent four weeks in the intensive care unit. After leaving the hospital, there were many challenges, but it was worth it for Jodi and Matt.

The parents could not be prouder of all Abigail and Isobel have achieved. In 2017, they shared some insight into their lives, and the joy on the girls' faces was undeniable.

The mother revealed that the only things Abigail and Isobel have brought into the world are positive. While they have more doctor's appointments and check-ups, they also have much more love, hugs, and happiness.

Their Loving Big Brother

The sisters attended mainstream school and could say words like "mom," "dad," and "Finn." Finn is their protective older brother who could not imagine life without his twin sisters. He understands that he needs to be extra supportive and shared:

"Downs syndrome means that I have to help my sisters a bit more than if I had sisters with no Downs syndrome because they would be able to learn quicker."

They Wouldn't Change a Thing

The family enjoys their life together, with video footage showing the girls having fun jumping on a trampoline outside their Chorley, Lancashire home. Amid the challenges, the proud parents wouldn't change a thing about their daughters.

"There's nothing in the world that could convince me to change them. A life with Down syndrome is a life worth living," expressed Jodi. The mother wishes she could meet the doctor who offered his apologies again. She explained:

"I would like to show him Abigail and Isobel and say, 'Why did you say sorry because we wouldn't change Abigail and Isobel for the world now?'"

Raising Awareness about Down Syndrome

Jodi revealed that the only things Abigail and Isobel have brought into the world are positive. While they have more doctor's appointments and check-ups, they also have much more love, hugs, and happiness.

The proud mom and her husband started a charity to honor their beloved girls. The "Twincess" mission aims to raise awareness, correct myths, and share the positive side of raising kids with Down syndrome. Matt added:

"It is all about celebrating achievement, rather than focussing on the things they can't do."

Spreading Joy Wherever They Go

All the mother wants for her children is for them to be given a chance at life. She knows they have potential and wants the rest of the world to see that a Down syndrome diagnosis doesn't mean life is turned upside down.

Abigail and Isobel thrive in school, and there were improvements in their speech every day. They mainly communicate by sign language and love spreading joy wherever they went.

The Online Response

Netizens had a lot to say about the extraordinary twins. Many people complimented the adorable little girls and gushed over their undeniable joy:

"Little darlings, just look how happy they are. I bet you [are] so so proud of them."

- (Annette Roberts) July 4, 2016

"Don't they just look adorable! Looks like they're looking forward to the first day at school!"

- (Jean Gregson) July 4, 2016

"What a pair of angels! God bless you two in your challenges at school! I will be praying for you!"

- (Nancy Weybright) July 4, 2016

"I hope you had a wonderful first day of school. I adore your outfits and you two look so very happy. Best wishes in all you do, remember to keep smiling and stay happy."

- (Marie Camp) July 3, 2016

Jodi and Matt undoubtedly received their biggest blessing when Abigail and Isobel were born. We wish the beautiful family many more happy years together!

Click here for a story about a mother who nearly gave up her twin boys. They were diagnosed with Down syndrome, and she is happier than ever because they are in her life.