In October 2019, Rachel Campos-Duffy and her husband, Sean Duffy,
welcomed their ninth child, Valentina StellaMaris Duffy. Born a month early,
Valentina arrived with Down syndrome and a heart condition that needed immediate attention.
Rachel recalls the first moments vividly: “When she was born,
I just held her and thought, ‘This is the sweetest, most perfect thing we have ever seen.’”
Despite the complications, Valentina showed her strength from the start.
Weeks in the NICU
Valentina spent seven weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. Rachel describes this time as both frightening and humbling.
She remembers the first moment she could hold Valentina free of wires and monitors, calling it “a small miracle in a very uncertain time.”
Sean remained by her side, and the couple leaned on prayer and the support of their extended family.
Rachel publicly acknowledged the outpouring of love: “We’re so thankful for your prayers.”
