Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy or
partial copy of the 18th chromosome. Trisomy 18 is the most
common Trisomy after Down Syndrome. It occurs in
approximately one in 3,000 pregnancies. 50-95% of those
diagnosed with Trisomy 18 in utero do not survive to birth.
About 5-10% of the children that make it to birth survive to
their first birthday, and a small number of these live many
years and even decades, with the oldest known person living
to their late twenties. These individuals bring much love
and joy to their families and the community at large.
