Black and white photo of toddler girl sitting across from her parent and laughing

Coraline J, age 5

Photograph by John Lowry (2024)

Coraline has an infectious laugh and vibrant personality. She enjoys a range of activities that showcase her spirit, from singing in the children’s choir to scoring baskets in the Miracle League. Her ability to mimic and learn from others demonstrates her intelligence.
Born prematurely at 28 weeks, weighing just 1.5 pounds, Coraline spent 102 days in the NICU. She was diagnosed with Down syndrome prior to birth. With unwavering support from her family and targeted physical therapy, she triumphed over these obstacles, transitioning from being unable to walk to striding into school with confidence. Her family’s advocacy ensured she received the best educational support, enhancing her development and safety.
Family Connection has been instrumental in Coraline’s journey, especially during the family’s move to Lexington, where they navigated the complexities of educational and medical services. Their involvement helped manage Coraline’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) transfer, ensuring her needs continued to be met effectively.
As Coraline prepares to participate in the LOOK! exhibit, her family is eager for others to see her as the capable and determined child they know and love. They hope her story will inspire families facing similar challenges, proving that with the right support and opportunities, every child can thrive.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.