Most people in the U.S. were unaware of the disorder Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, until it became an issue in the campaign of presidential candidate Rick Santorum. Santorum is a former Pennsylvania senator running in the Republican primary, but he has had to suspend campaign activities due to his daughter Bella's struggles with the genetic disorder.
Trisomy 18 is caused by the presence of an extra 18th chromosome. The majority of infants born with the disease do not last past their first birthday as the disorder causes heart defects, kidney diseases, breathing difficulties, kidney failures, trouble eating, and other irregularities detrimental to a child's health. Santorum's daughter Bella, however, has managed to make it to the age of three.
Santorum used Trisomy 18 in his presidential campaign at times. His campaign created a television political ad showing him with Bella talking about her difficulties and his worry and love for his daughter. Bella's presence in the ad has been shown to give Santorum a large boost in audience polls which react to the images by seeing the candidate as a devoted family man.
Bella's disease has sidelined Santorum in the days leading up to the Florida primary. The candidate put his campaign on hold Saturday and cancelled scheduled events for Sunday upon news that his daughter had fallen ill.
"Rick and his wife Karen are admitting their daughter Bella to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia this evening," said Santorum campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley. "Rick intends to return to Florida and resume the campaign schedule as soon as is possible."
About one out of every 3,000 live births in the U.S. produces a child who has Trisomy 18. Around half of the babies with Trisomy 18 are stillborn.
According to the Trisomy 18 Foundation some children born with Trisomy 18 survive for many years while a small percentage reach adulthood. These are usually females. Children that do survive face a number of physical and mental challenges and usually require closely supervised care.
For parents, having a child with Trisomy 18 is a hug physical, emotional, and financial challenge. In a recent article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Santorum was quoted on the campaign trail as saying that, "While Bella's life may not be long, and though she requires our constant care, she is worth every tear."
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