A Story of Strength and Hope.The Unstoppable Spirit of Isabeau Hope Goodman

This is a little story about a girl named Isabeau Hope Goodman. She was born with half a heart and faced many critical medical challenges right from the start. When I was just five months pregnant, many thought she had only a slight chance to live. Some even recommended I terminate the pregnancy, stressing how small her chances were.But as parents, when we heard her heartbeat, strong and determined, echoing within me, we knew we couldn’t give up on her. We braced for what was to come, ready to face any hardships to keep her alive and happy.

Isabeau, now 16, continues to face significant medical challenges: half a heart, chronic EBV (which increases her risk of leukemia or lymphoma), low muscle tone, Kabuki syndrome, delayed audio processing, dental issues, minor hearing loss, hip problems, and more. Yet, she never lets these obstacles deter her dreams. On top of all her medical challenges, Isabeau faced a tremendous emotional blow when she lost her dad five years ago. This added a heavy emotional burden to her already difficult journey. Facing the grief and emotional difficulties of her loss, she has remained incredibly strong and determined.

She wants to be an artist and actor, a popular one, with all the confidence and ambition I could hope for.I encouraged her to join the school band, not realizing her band teacher would constantly suggest she switch electives, pointing out her slower learning pace in front of the class. Isabeau only shared this with me near the end of middle school, it was too late for me to intervene. But her response was incredible. She said, “Mom, I want to prove my teacher wrong. I am going to show her how good I am.”

So, we enrolled her in a professional music school. 16 months later, Izzy plays mid-level piano, beginner guitar, and ukulele, and she has been taking voice lessons for a few months. Her progress is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the countless challenges, she never gives up. She manages her medications and appointments with remarkable independence. Every day, she takes charge of her health, her education, and her dreams.

Today, we celebrate independence in the United States, I also celebrate my daughter’s independence. Even though I know Independence Day means freedom for the United States, the word “independence” makes me think of this little girl. Her journey embodies independence, she has fought to live her life on her own terms, overcoming every obstacle with courage and determination.

Her relentless fight for life and her dreams inspires me. Giving up has never been an option for us. We strive and work hard for what we believe in, just like today’s spirit of independence.

Happy Independence Day to all!