Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy has opened up about the profound impact her youngest daughter, Valentina StellaMaris Duffy, has had on their family. 

Valentina, who was born with Down Syndrome, has taught her eight older siblings valuable lessons in patience, love, and resilience. 

Appearing on Fox & Friends alongside her four-year-old daughter, Campos-Duffy used the platform to raise awareness on National Down Syndrome Day, 

advocating for greater acceptance of children with the condition and urging expectant mothers not to fear a Down Syndrome diagnosis.

Raising Awareness for Down Syndrome

During her appearance on the morning show, Campos-Duffy emphasized the importance of breaking down misconceptions surrounding Down Syndrome.

She expressed concern over the high rate of abortions following prenatal diagnoses, believing that more awareness and exposure to individuals with the condition could change perceptions.

“So many children with Down Syndrome are being exterminated in the womb,” Campos-Duffy said. “I think that when people get to meet them and see how wonderful they are, we are going to see less of that.”

Throughout the segment, Valentina charmed viewers by engaging with Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earhardt, even showing off Pilates moves she learned in physical therapy. The heartwarming interaction underscored Campos-Duffy’s message that children with Down Syndrome can lead fulfilling and joyful lives.

A Family Changed for the Better

Campos-Duffy and her husband, former congressman Sean Duffy, are parents to nine children. Despite the challenges that come with raising a child with special needs, Campos-Duffy insisted that Valentina has been a gift to their family, making them more compassionate and patient.

“She is as lovely, as precious, as joyful as any other child,” Campos-Duffy said. “In fact, I would say our family is better because of her.”

She credited Valentina with teaching her siblings valuable life lessons. “I think our kids have learned tolerance and patience. They’ve learned to be helpful,” she added, highlighting the deep bond Valentina shares with her older brothers and sisters.

Throughout the segment, Valentina’s vibrant personality shined through. As her mother spoke about her impact, she joyfully played around the studio and continued interacting with Earhardt, capturing the hearts of viewers. Campos-Duffy affectionately noted that Valentina is “everyone’s favorite” in the family.

Valentina’s Journey and Medical Challenges

Valentina was born in October 2019, arriving prematurely with two holes in her heart. Due to her condition, she required immediate medical attention and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit before she was strong enough to go home. Her parents remained by her side throughout her recovery, celebrating every milestone along the way.

Campos-Duffy first announced Valentina’s birth in a touching social media post, describing her as “the sweetest, most perfect thing we have ever seen.” She also shared how her older children fought over who would get to hold their baby sister, demonstrating how deeply loved Valentina was from the very beginning.

A Life-Changing Decision for Family

Sean Duffy’s dedication to his family became evident when he made the difficult decision to step down from his position as Wisconsin’s 7th District representative in 2019. Knowing that Valentina would need additional medical care and attention, he chose to prioritize his role as a father over his political career.

“Recently, we’ve learned that our baby, due in late October, will need even more love, time, and attention due to complications, including a heart condition,” he shared in a statement at the time. “With much prayer, I have decided that this is the right time for me to take a break from public service in order to be the support my wife, baby, and family need right now.”

Duffy’s decision was met with support from political allies, including then-President Donald Trump. The former congressman had been a strong advocate for conservative policies during his time in office and was a vocal supporter of Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Campos-Duffy’s Advocacy for Mothers Facing a Down Syndrome Diagnosis

Throughout her media career, Campos-Duffy has been an outspoken advocate for life, encouraging expectant mothers not to fear a Down Syndrome diagnosis. She believes that many women choose abortion due to fear and misinformation, rather than understanding the full potential and joy that children with Down Syndrome can bring to a family.

“There’s a lot of fear around it,” she explained. “Even the medical community can make people scared and say, well, you have options. But when people realize that they are just like any other child—with a few little challenges, sometimes medical—I think we’ll start to see attitudes change.”

Campos-Duffy acknowledged that children with Down Syndrome may face health complications, such as heart conditions or thyroid issues, but emphasized that most of these challenges are manageable with proper care and treatment.

A Message of Love and Acceptance

By sharing Valentina’s story, Campos-Duffy hopes to change the narrative surrounding Down Syndrome and encourage society to embrace these children for who they are—unique, loving, and full of potential.

Her message was clear: children with Down Syndrome are not a burden, but rather a blessing. Through her daughter’s journey, she has witnessed firsthand how love, patience, and acceptance can create a richer, more compassionate family dynamic.

As Valentina continues to grow and thrive, her mother remains committed to advocating for children like her, urging the world to see the beauty and joy they bring into the lives of those around them.

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