Isla Grace Groom was born on 21st February 2011 with Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome). The doctors told my mom that most babies born with Edwards don't survive birth. As the hospital didn't pick up the fact that Isla had Edwards Syndrome from the 20 weeks scan, this information really shocked my mom and dad. Me and my younger sister Niamh (aged 5 and 3 at the time) didn't really understand and were really excited about meeting our new sister! We grew confused when we went to visit Isla the day after she was born, I remember saying "Why is her lip like that?". My mom tried to explain that Isla had a cleft lip which meant she couldn't eat properly, so she had to be fed through an NG tube. After 2 weeks we managed to get Isla out of hospital and into our home. This was an amazing experience as no one expected her to live this long. However we were yet to realise Isla was a fighter. Another 2 weeks later, Isla was having trouble breathing and the hospital realised she needed oxygen to help her breathe. They also told my mom about Acorns children's hospice, which she agreed to go and visit. Within the next few months we experienced many trips to Acorns. Isla fought some very tough battles, but like I have said she is a fighter! Sadly, in October 2011 Isla was rushed into hospital where she very nearly lost a battle. The hospital said that there was not much more they could for Isla, so they sent her to Acorns for end of life care. Acorns was a WONDERFUL place and I owe them an awful lot! They looked after Isla as well as giving us all some family time. We also got chance to regularly visit the art and craft room. Luckily, Isla got a bit better so Acorns decided that we could spend a little time in the spa pool - Isla was a proper little water baby! We were able to take Isla home again when she got better but Acorns didn't stop supporting us there. From Palliative care to Family day trips the support kept on coming. Isla was an absolute MIRACLE! The doctors said she would never be able to smile, but she did all the time! We even called her Isla Smiler. She managed to live until she was almost 2 years old but in December 2012 she was rushed into hospital. Fortunately, she managed to come home for the day on Christmas so she could spend the day with Me, Niamh, Mom and Dad- opening her presents. But she had to go back to hospital and sadly she passed away on 29th December 2012. Now whenever I go through something tough I remember Isla Smiler's battles she had to fight! I would like to say a big thank you to Acorns for all the support which we are still receiving and I hope you'll help us to raise as much money as possible in memory of my beautiful sister xxx