When Jodi and Matt Parry found out they were having twins, joy quickly gave way to anxiety after their daughters, Abigail and Isobel, were born prematurely. Following a month in the neonatal intensive care unit, the couple received unexpected news—both girls had Down syndrome, a diagnosis especially rare in twins. Instead of comfort, the doctor delivered the news with the words, “I’m sorry that Abigail and Isobel both have Down’s syndrome,” a phrase that pierced Jodi’s heart and has stayed with her ever since.
For Jodi, hearing the word “sorry” instantly overshadowed everything else. Shocked, scared, and left without guidance, she and Matt were flooded with fears. Would their daughters walk? Talk? Live independently? In those early days, it felt like a “life sentence,” and they feared being lifelong caretakers without knowing what the future might hold.
Looking back, they believe much of that pain could have been eased with compassion and practical insight. They didn’t need a biology lecture—they needed to hear what life with Down syndrome could truly look like. As Matt put it, “I don’t care about the science. I just want to know—Will they walk? Will they talk? Will they connect with us?” But the answers never came, leaving them to navigate uncertainty alone.
Today, everything is different. The Parrys are now a happy family of five, raising their son Finn alongside the twins—both full of energy, determination, and charm. Their fears have been replaced by pride. Jodi sees no difference between the girls and their brother, and she wishes she could show that same doctor the confident, joyful young girls Abigail and Isobel have become. Her question to him would be simple: “Why did you say sorry?” Because now, she wouldn’t change a thing.
Their story is a powerful reminder that kindness and empathy in healthcare can shape how families process life-changing news. A diagnosis doesn’t define a child’s future—it’s simply the start of a different, but equally beautiful, journey. The Parrys are living proof that love, understanding, and the right support can turn fear into strength.
