This is the story of the incredible journey of Melissa, her family, and her community, and the challenges each faced. Melissa's condition, Trisomy 18, is one that carries a poor prognosis and her story is one of unconditional love, hope, despair, and joy, as she struggled to hold onto her fragile life.

For Melissa's family, life was extremely challenging for her short nine years. Her story gives the reader an insight into their lives and how each of them coped in their own way. Josie, Melissa's mother, in writing Melissa's story, opens her heart and innermost feelings and thoughts, enabling the reader to gain an understanding of how, despite the many challenges Melissa faced, each achievement was a milestone to be proud of.

-Shirley Wass- Parent to Parent New Zealand