Local Teen With Trisomy 18 Continues To Make Strides

http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/203910/28/Local-Teen-With-Trisomy-18-Continues-To-Make-Strides

ELDERSBURG, Md. (WUSA) -- Steve and Maryanne Danko of Carroll county take joy in describing the personality of their son, Mikey. They say his carefree smile and laughter are his most common expressions.

Steve Danko says, "It's so amazing how much happiness he brings to the people who get to know him."

Mikey is 14 years old, he is one of the longest survivors of trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 was brought into the national spotlight after Senator Rick Santorum announced he was dropping out of the Republican presidential nomination race. Santorum's daughter, Bella, was suffering due to complications from Trisomy 18.

Maryanne Danko says, "I remember early on when the doctors would say you've got an appointment six months from now and I thought 'well, we'll see.' You know, it was hard to kind of think six months from now because we were given such a bleak outlook."