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The Miracle of Will

Posted June 16, 2010

IF CHARACTER CAN BE JUDGED by the way a person confronts adversity, Jim Donatelli has set an incredibly inspirational example. From the time he lost his mother to breast cancer as a teenager, he has always tried to make the best of situations that might have brought others to their knees. “Some people use something like that in their life as a crutch to make bad decisions, and I never did. My path may have zigzagged every once in a while,” he laughs, “but it was never the wrong path.”

That early life lesson has served him well time and time again. His wife, Kim, became pregnant three years after they married in 1997, only to lose the baby midway through her pregnancy. They went on to have another child—daughter Dory—now 8, but not without some frightening moments: the delivery was complicated, ending in emergency surgery.

So when Kim approached him in tears one afternoon late last spring to reveal she was pregnant again, he understood her tears all too well. “Given all of our past background with pregnancies, we had plenty to be concerned about,” Jim says.

But where others have seen challenges, Jim has always found strength. “I looked at Kim and said, ‘Hey, this is wonderful news,’” he remembers. “Don’t cry over great news. Let’s go celebrate.”

They did, but Kim’s fears eventually came to fruition, albeit in the least expected way. At the end of the first trimester, just as the morning sickness was beginning to abate, she began having trouble breathing. “She would lose her breath just walking from the kitchen to the living room,” Jim says. He urged her to see her OB/GYN, who ordered a series of tests. An MRI eventually revealed a tumor on Kim’s internal heart wall.

As frightening as the diagnosis was, a cardiologist determined the safest protocol would be to let Kim carry the baby to term before attempting surgery.

Their son, William, was born healthy in January, but appeared to show some facial features consistent with Down syndrome. “The pediatrician came in the hospital room and said, ‘We’re not concerned, but we’re going to run some tests just to be sure,’” Jim remembers. The couple took the baby home, only to get the news a few weeks later: genetic tests revealed that William did, in fact, have Down syndrome.

“My wife immediately began to cry, and understandably so,” he says. “And I turned to the doctor and said, ‘Doctor, hope is a very powerful thing, and when you take hope away from people, you basically take their soul away. So what is it that we need to hope for at this point?’

“She said, ‘You need to hope for you to have the strength to raise this child the way he needs to be raised.’”

An Unexpected Call

One of Jim’s colleagues happened to know that former University of Alabama Coach Gene Stallings, whose own son, Johnny, had Down syndrome before passing away two years ago, often made calls to other parents of children with the condition. He put out word about the Donatellis through his connections with an Alabama alumni group, and told Jim to expect a call.

“Lo and behold, at 9 o’clock one night the phone rings, and there’s this guy with a bellowing Texas accent on the phone,” he says. “He’s saying, ‘I understand you just had a baby with Down syndrome.’ We talked for about 30 minutes. He told me that the ultimate goal when raising your kids is that when they die, they go to heaven—and he said he had no doubt in his mind that’s where Johnny is.

“As a leader, you never really know when you impact people,” Jim continues. “He showed me that leadership capacity when he made that phone call.”

The Next Hurdle

Though the Donatellis will always be concerned about Will’s health, given the increased likelihood of health conditions often associated with Down syndrome, so far he is developing well, doted on by his sister, parents, and extended family.

But now it was time to deal with the glaring reality of Kim’s heart tumor, known as an atrial myxoma. Determined to find the best heart surgeon around, Jim did extensive research, ultimately settling on Dr. Lawrence H. Cohn, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. “He’s arguably one of the top heart surgeons in the world,” Jim says.

The day of the surgery, in early April, Jim said goodbye to his wife at 6:30 a.m. Then hours and hours passed…and nothing. Finally, around 5 p.m., he got word that his wife had made it through, and the doctor wanted to see him.

“He’s done over 11,000 heart surgeries, which speaks to a lot of experience,” Jim explains. The doctor indicated that in his career, he had never seen, heard or read about a condition like this. A tumor that was originally thought to be the size of a marble turned out to be the size of a tangerine—it was strangling the valves and growing on the back of the heart.

“We found the right doctor at the right place and the right time—and I believe that when you take the power of God, the power of man and the power of medicine, and meet at that intersection, it’s a very good place,” he continues. “And that’s where we happened to be.”

Truly, A Miracle

Meanwhile, Jim and Kim had slowly come to another amazing realization. Though Kim's heart condition was extremely dangerous, it might never have been detected without the extra stress of the pregnancy—the pregnancy they'd never thought would happen.

“We would not have found out about this tumor unless there was an incident to make us aware of it, which would probably have resulted in a life ending event,” Jim explains. “Kim's tumor was hard to detect, and normally the changes would be so gradual you wouldn’t be aware of them. So we view this little baby as saving his mother’s life before he was even born, and after something like that, what do you do for an encore?”

As for Jim, the encore was to come out of his comfort zone and learning the value of being open about the challenges he and his family have faced.

“Early on I sent an email telling the story of our family situation. The overwhelming support we received from friends, family, and associates gave us the strength to confront our situation. Ironically, our perseverance became a source of strength for those that were there to help us.

“Our family is not the first nor will it be the last to experience significant personal adversities. I’m not naturally comfortable sharing personal information, but it wound up being the best thing for all of us.”

JIM DONATELLI is Pensacola City President for Regions Bank

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comments (157)

OMG!!!! TOUCHING TOUCHING LIFE EXPERIENCES....MY ONLY WORDS ARE "GOD IS AN AMAZING GOD" {teary eyed}

LETITIA NELSON

WOW this is amazing what God has done for this family. I wish this family the best.

Gretta Vickery

This is truly an inspiring story. God is always there for you and brings you through each and everyday. God Bless you and your family.

Rhonda HUffman

Thank you for sharing your story.

Misty

This is the best story yet !! The amazing ways God reveals his plans.

Stacie

Very touching story!!!!

Kim Brandon

My husband and I had our 1st son in July, 1996 born with Down syndrome. We lost him during heart surgery in March, 1997. When I saw your child's picture on Life@Regions, I told my co-workers he looks just like my son, Ryan. I even got out pictures of Ryan and showed them why I felt this way. After reading your story, we have so much in common with pregnancies. I found out I was pregnant with our 2nd child on Good Friday, just 6 days after burying Ryan, and the Lord blessed us with another son, Riley, on Thanksgiving Day 1997 and then a daughter on 12/18/01. May God Bless you and your family and continue to use you to glorify Him! Thank you for sharing your story and blessing my heart!

Regina Sanderson

WOW!! What an amazing story.

Candace

Our God is an awesome God!

d cooper

What a great story! Life is a funny thing that can throw plenty of curve balls at you. God bless!

Aaron Burnfield

Thank God for JESUS!!!! Truly God is Able and in Control!!! Keep trusting the Most High!!! Read Joshua 1!!!

Adrienne Flowers-Underwood

What a beautiful family. My husband's great-uncle has Down syndrome. His family was told that he wouldn't live past his 13th birthday. However, Junior is now in his 70s. Continue to put your faith in God, and he will keep blessing your life. Sending prayers to your family!

Amber Moore

God truly does work in mysterious ways sometimes! What a story you have to tell and who knows, there may be someone out there who desperately needs to hear it. God bless you and your family.

Marianne

This is awe inspiring and is a reminder to all of us to live life to its fullest.

Melissa Cushenbery

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. This is just more proof that God is in all things, big and small.

Debbie

This story touched very close to home. We have a family member who was recently diagnosed with ALS. When faced with such adversities you want to keep the news close and not share. Cry and wonder why this? Knowing that Jim stepped out of his comfort zone to share his family's story and to hear his reaction to the events inspires me to push through with a smile and know we are not alone. Thank you for telling your story.

Georgette

This family is a good example of God's love for us. Trusting in Him gives you peace within your storm and hope to keep going.

Latasha

I love your statement about God, man and medicine meeting at an intersection and having wonderful things happen. Great statement and story. I wish you and your family many years of love with your son Will!

Bobby Shaffer

The Donatelli's have exhibited a strong love and faith in each other and God. Having a child with special needs is a challenge and reward in itself. I have a son who has special needs (he is 10), and each day brings its own blessing. The roads he has had to travel have not been the easiest; however, they say God never gives a person any more than they can handle, I've come to realize that this is true in any situation.

Lorrie Jacke

Jim, you have a beautiful family and a beautiful wife. May God bless and keep you close to His heart always.

Maggie Miller

Our God is truly an awesome God!! Life happens and is an opportunity to find the good in all circumstances. I know that though difficult, this has made you a better leader for your family and Regions!!

Pat Bates

What an amazing outlook on life...I am so proud to hear someone value their spiritual faith to allow them to weather the storm....your baby is beautiful.

Barbara Doles

WOW... The power and strength this family shows are amazing. Someone once said, "Don't be afraid of the thunder, learn to dance in the rain."This family shows that type of stamina everyday. Thanks for sharing.

Ed McCallister

Your story is truly inspiring. Every time God is in the picture, the story will end good. He's all Knowing, Powerful and truly is a Healer. My prayer is that anyone reading this comment that may not have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior .........WILL.

Tyanja Thomas

God truly works in mysterious ways!!! Isn't it wonderful?

Carol Key

Thank you, Jim, for sharing this inspiring, personal experience in the lives of your family. Hopefully, many of our Regions associates will take the time to e-mail others who are going through similar experiences. It should be a great source of encouragement for those that need it the most.

Linda Springfield

What an inspiring story. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Diane Crecelius

This is a great inspirational story that continues to show the hand of God in our lives. Thanks for sharing.

John Harmon

God Bless you and your beautiful family!!!

Dreama H.

"He told me that the ultimate goal when raising your kids is that when they die, they go to heaven—and he said he had no doubt in his mind that’s where Johnny is. " :)

Frances

God never leaves your side and is the only being that truly is there in good and bad!! God Bless this family always!

Sandra Flores

As the saying goes, when God closes one door, he will open another one or maybe a window. You will need all the strength God can provide as you obviously know we can not do it alone. God bless you and your family.

Pam Vinson

I am truly moved by this awesome testimony. God is sovereign and he works out everything for the good of those who are called according to his purpose. Bless this family!

Sonja Atkins

This is an amazing story and the sweet little baby is so cute.

SUZANNE

GLORY to GOD for the GREAT things he has done. May God continue to bless you and your family

Tammy Jordan

Your story about your family really touched my heart. May God continue to bless you and your family

Jackie Ambrose

This is a wonderful, inspiring, story. Such an encouragement to hear stories such as this and how God is still performing his miracles in now days. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Ginny Martin

I wish the best for this family. God truly is awesome.

Janice

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Our God is truly amazing. God bless you and your family.

Yvette McFadden

As promised, God will never put more on us than we can bear..

Amanda

Wonderful & Inspiring story... Thanks so much for sharing.. Sometimes we get caught up in the everyday rush and we need something like your story to remind how wonderful and special life really is. I wish you and your family only the best!!

Devin Henson

Thank you for sharing your story. It really puts things in perspective. We are never handed a burden which we are not capable of handling, so this means that you and your family are very strong indeed! Thank you again.

Gwen Cole

god bless your family. Thank you for giving hope to others.

kiki

What a touching story. So sad to hear that you had to face those troubles after having faced so many others already. I hope that your courage and faith will be a beacon for others who are experiencing hardships at this time. God Bless you and your family.

Amie Doyle

Thanks for sharing your story. It is such an inspiration and reminds us all....God is an awesome God!

Kim Landry

Thanks for your sharing your story. I'm going through a hard time with a family illness at this time as well. Upon reading your story it made me realize that all things happen for a reason. I truly know that God is with at all times and helps us through our valleys. God Bless and we will continue to pray for you and yours.

Carol

What a great story. I feel your pain, my husband and I have had a eptopic pregancey and a miscarriage all in the past 12 months.And we are expecting again and due in Dec. God works in so many ways. I feel so blessed to have the chance to still have another baby. Your family is so precious and you seem like a great Christian man.

Devona Jenkins

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. How amazing is it that the things we think are going to be some of the worst trials in our lives God turns in to the biggest blessings!

regina taylor

I have always heard that adversity is when we find out the kind of people we are. You have taken trials and become stronger through them. Your love and conviction that God makes us stronger and how important hope is has been demonstrated over and over again. I know your story will touch so many. God bless you and your family.

Debbie Nail

My faith has been tested alot this past year but when I read something like this I can't help but know there is a God. Thank You for sharing and helping me in my belief You ARE a wonderful family

Judy

What an amazing story. It really touched me. GOD is always there when you least expect it. GOD bless you and your family.

Sali

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have a cousin with down syndrome and he is truely a blessing from God. May God continue to bless you and your family!!

Staci

With God all things are possible!!! Your story is so touching and I wish your family nothing but the best!

Holly

Thanks for sharing. God is great...all the time. May he continue to bless you and your family.

Shelia

It takes special parents to raise a special child and it sounds like God chose the perfect pair.

Dena

You have a beautiful family. Your testimony gives glory to God and it has blessed others. Continue to be strong in the Lord and he will keep you and be with you. Peace and Love.

Carolyn Dorsey

This is the most touching story yet. We serve and great big God!!! Thank you for sharing your story wtih us.

Miranda

Your Story speaks to me on the three "F" Faith, Focus and Follow through. Faith-Confidence in the testimony of another. Focus - Concentrated effort or attention on a particular thing. Follow through - To take further action as a consequence or extension of a previous action. To God be the Glory, thank you for sharing.

Minnie

God is able and willing and always in control. So don't give up just hold on God will work it out. God bless you and your family.

Tiffany

What a moving story! It's amazing what kind of inner strenghts we find in ourselves. I'm happy you are your family are doing well!!

Tiffany

What a great story. God is so Good!!! What would our life be without our creator.

Wandra Blair

God is so amazing. Just trust and believe in the power of God, anything is possible.

Brenda

Thank you for sharing your amazing story. I too have a loved one born with Down syndrome. He will celebrate his fourth birthday tomorrow. Children born with disabilities are "little blessings" sent to special parents from God. My nephew's abilities are an inspiration to all of us. He displays kindness, affection, and unconditional love to everyone he meets. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Lisa K Cannon

Another one of God's miracles!

A Haqqi

You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing.

Cheryl

This is truly an inspiring story that brought tears to my eyes. I have a son who is 5, and I cannot even imagine going through what you have. Thank you for sharing your story and putting God's work out there.

Ashley Vaughan

OMG!!! MY WORDS ARE "GOD IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU."

Yahilin Rodon

I believe you put your faith in God that He truly does not give us more than we can handle, and He takes care of us. I wish the family the best.

demetra ciufo

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We do have an AWESOME GOD. Good luck to you and your family.

Leslie

Wow, what a touching story. I have friends that have a son with Down syndrome. He is now 5 and has gotten through two heart surgeries. He is the happiest little guy I know. They have let the Lord carry them through their journey, and I hope you continue to follow Him in yours. May God Bless you and your beautiful family.

Kristin

What an Awesome Story!!!! May God continue to Bless you all, and know that God is there for you always. Hugs and Kisses to you all. Your story will reach someone that needs to know how awesome God is, and then they will be saved. That is the best thing about sharing—you never know how it will affect others.

Teresa

Awesome, encouraging, and inspiring story! If I complain about anything ever again, I should just slap myself. So much better for me and everyone around me to find optimism and strength. It is always available.

Gary Smiley

Very inspiring story...I have a daughter that has gone through 3 open-heart surgeries. She has 5 major heart defects. She just turned 7 on June 5th. The Lord is good. Because so many Downs children have heart problems as well, we bonded with them. I hope to adopt a Downs baby one day when mine get a little older. Your story will hold a special place in my heart and my prayer list! Thanks for sharing...

Jennifer Colbert

This is a very emotional story, and it is a perfect example of keeping faith before, during, and after challenging times. GOD is Great!!

Kamal Aadil

Donatelli family NEVER stop sharing this amazing example of God's miracles. Our stories are usually not the same, but at some point in our lives we all question what to "hope for next" when we are all out of solutions. And just like you have proven, as long as we put our hope in HIM the miracles will continue to happen. Jim, you are among the great leaders out there such as Coach Stallings...you have certainly "impacted" me! I printed this story and shared it with others who are going through their own struggles. You will never know how many people your story will give hope to.

Brandi

OMG! THAT IS TRULY A MIRACLE! I LIKE THE WAY YOU SEE IT. THE POWER OF GOD, MAN, AND MEDICINE. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY!!!!

FELICIA WILLIAMS

This was an amazing story and I felt that way when I had my daughter. They told me that same story about my daughter, but she is three years old and very smart. Don't give up. Just keep the faith and know that God will heal you and your famliy .He will never leave. I will continue to pray for your family. May God Bless.

christine

WOW! First of all, gorgeous family! Secondly, thank you! Thank you for sharing your story, thank you for maintaining your hope, thank you for continuing to have faith in the Lord, and thank you for reminding me of my father and his many words of wisdom. You see, my father passed away February 16, 2009. He had congestive heart failure with a weak heart. His condition was more severe and more rare than any other condition doctors had seen before. My father never let his condition overpower his love and faith in God and family. Instead, he USED his condition to strengthen not only HIS bond with the Lord but OUR bond as well. He taught us that life isn't about what happens to us, but rather how we react to life's events. His reaction to his own condition: he was an angel from God. When asked why him, he would always answer: "because God knew I could handle it." :o) I love and miss him dearly! May God continue to bless and be with you and your family!

Barbara Perkins

What an amazing story. Heroes do walk amongst us!

Gylla

Thank you for sharing your story. It is amzing what God has done for your family.

Destiny

What a AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!!! May GOD continue to BLESS you and your family.

jeanette

By the grace of God!! All things happen for a reason, and all you needed was this little blessing to help you bless your wife as well. I thank God for you and your family. What an inspiration you are!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and personal life.

Jennifer Marino

This is a very encouraging story. God Bless you all. As the saying goes God is Good all the time.

LaTasha Delgado

God Never Fails!!

Kayla

Glory Be To God! What a mighty God we serve. He is good all the time in spite of our adversities and infirmities. It's by His grace and mercy. I lost 2 babies in 2 consecutive years around the same time of the year. I lost little Junior February 2006 and Kiara March 2007. During my last pregnancy an infection got in my blood. That was followed by a medical procedure that was done to hold the baby in throughout my pregnancy. It wasn't until after being on bed rest for 6 days in the hospital that it was discovered due to a fever. The doctor had to take the baby. She didn't make it, but I was in intensive care for about 2 weeks fighting for my life. Along with this condition, I developed a weak heart muscle and my body turned cold and pale. Antibiotics weren't working. They didn't think I was going to make it. The hospital nurses, my family, friends and several churches sent up prayers, interceding for me. After I recovered, the hospital doctors and my heart doctor could not believe my recovery. He told me that in all the cases he had seen like this, the women usually did not make it. When God healed and delivered me, I knew I owed my life to Him for his grace and mercy and my salvation. God changed me. So you all be encouraged. May God Bless you and abide in God as he abides in you. For your wife, be encouraged, read and meditate in God's word. My doctor offered me antidepressant medicine, and I refused. But God healed me physically and mentally. I know how I felt after my tragedy.

Marquita Riggins

What an amazing story. May God always bless you. Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart with us.

Mikelyn Corkran Tomball TX

Beautiful and inspirational.

Brittany Jones

This is an amazing story, and yes God is an awesome God you know. My heart goes out to you and your family.

nicole walter

What a tremendous example of courage and spirit. I love your comments about the power of HOPE! It is so true and in any adversity to recognize "what is it that we need to hope for today?"

Marianne Bonnette

What a beautiful story. God will always be with you and your precious family.

Carla

Your story is inspiring and uplifting. God is Good..All the time! Thank you for sharing.

Sherri Miller

Your story, no matter what it is, is tragedy or triumph. It is designed to help someone else realize God has not changed. He is the same healing, saving, and merciful God now as he was in the Bible days. May God continue to be the light in your life, and may you and your family keep following that light which will always lead to a path of victory.

Georgia Kirby

Jim & Kim you are blessed with these beautiful children, Dory and Will. Enjoy life! God Bless.

Paula L.

Reading this article and then reading all of the comments—just look at how many lives here you have touched with your inspiring story. Imagine how many more you can touch just letting them know that God is with you always. Whether a person has known someone with Down syndrome, this is a testimony in any situation. May God continue to bless your family and share that blessing with others. Prayers pour out to you and your family.

Teresa nelson

GOD WORKS IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. YOUR STORY IS A MIRACLE, AND GOD HAS BLESSED YOU AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO IN MANY WAYS.

Mary HAYES

I just became a grandmother of a child that has Downs syndrome on June 11, 2010. My son lives in Brentwood, TN but is an avid Alabama fan, just like mom. I would love to find out how to get in touch with former coach Gene Stallings. It would mean so much to my son. Not only was my granddaughter born with Downs she also has a hole in her heart that is healing. She may not be able to hear. She just came home from the hospital, because she was in the NICU unit at the hospital. Thanks for the story, it's given me hope.

Rita Pitts

Jim, you did the right thing by putting God first in your life. It takes a strong man to lead his family. May God continue to show you his mercy and grace.

Jawanna

Well said, well done and thank you for telling us about it. Praying for you and your family, Jim.

Talley Clower

I love to see how God is working his miracles and to show people that he is a real caring God, still today in 2010. I pray that God gives you and your Family Strength.Enjoy this special gift from God your Son William.

Gabriele Trice

This is a very inspirational story! My wife and I have a daughter that was born prematurely, and I truly wish this family the very best! It shows that faith in God can triumph over any obstacle that is put in front of you.

Mike Shouse

God has the perfect plan for all other us and does ultimately work out EVERYTHING for our good! This is so encouraging. Thank you so much for sharing.

Stacey

I was reading this story with bated breath because I wanted to know the connection of the family to Regions. I wish your family great love, strength, and prayers. God is Great! He works miracles we can't see until they are right in our path. I hope William shows you the love that he was made of .... May the Lord keep your family always.....

Francine Watkins

Once again GOD is an AWESOME GOD. May God continue to bless your family.

Marcia Turner

The power of prayer, and the power of God is more than any doctor can do. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1969. The doctor did the surgery and followed by telling my Mother and Dad that the rest was up to them, "It is time to pray." Almost 41 years later, my mother and I walk together as breast cancer survivors. Thank you for the reminder that God is in control of our lives.

Kathy

Good is so good!!! We praise Him in the good times and we praise Him in the bad times too. God bless your family!

Tamara Giles

Thank you for sharing this touching story. It is truly amazing how GOD walks you through this path of realization. God bless you and your beautiful family!!!

Bejal Doshi

May this poem bless you and Kim as much as it's blessed me over the years, having a special needs child. Heaven's Special Child: A meeting was held, quite far from earth, "It's time again for another birth," Said the Angels to the Lord above, "This special child will need much love." Her progress may seem very slow, Accomplishments she may not show, And she'll require extra care, From all the folks she meets down there. She may not run or laugh or play, Her thoughts may seem quite far away, In many ways she won't adapt, And she'll be known as handicapped. So let's be careful where she's sent, We want her life to be content, Please, Lord, find the right parents who Will do this special job for You. They will not realize right away, The leading role they're asked to play, But with this child sent from above, Comes stronger faith and richer love. And soon they'll know the privilege given, In caring for this gift from Heaven. Their precious charge, so meek and mild Is heaven's very special child. Copyright © 1981 by Edna Massimilla

Trisha Ellett

This is truly the story of a miracle. Sharing it with all of us goes a long way in reminding us to be grateful each and every day.

Honor Hartzes

One amazing story!! Wish you and your family the best of luck.

Lisa Nguyen

I am fighting back the tears at my work desk. You have encouraged me immensely...far more than I can put in words. Simply put, thank you!

Bristan

Jim, you are amazing, but so is your whole family. It is amazing how good always comes in the most unexpected ways. A son who saved his mother before he was even born. Your family is truly blessed. Some would look at your son and see only the handicap, but I know you have nothing but love in your eyes when you see him. He could not have been put in better hands than yours. Keep the faith, Jim and Kim! God is with your family each step of the way.

Judy Bates

What a blessing to share your story with others. May you continue to be blessed. Will is a special baby delivered to special people. I too know someone who is still living well into his late 60s that has Downs syndrome. I wish baby Will many years of happiness and the love I know his family gives.

Regina Washington

OMG!!!!! Sometimes it's good to talk about what's going on. It brought tears to my eyes.. I wish the best for you and your family..

Andrea Tyler

Wow! It surely shows that everything in life happens for a reason; we don't always know why things happen, but God knows. Thank you for such an inspiring story!

alicia

What a beautiful story, and what a testament to God's power and grace! He is always faithful, even when we are not. May God continue to bless your family.

Lisa

Thanks for sharing your story. Our God is an "Awesome God."

Lynn

What an amazing story! We have an awesome God!

Judy

"All things are possible to him who believes." You are so right about "hope." Without it there is no chance to succeed. I know that you and your family will continue to succeed because your roots are planted in God, and you are following His lead. Blessings!

Lorraine Webb

To God give the glory! Great story.

MICHELA

What an awesome family. God truly does work in mysterious ways. May God bless you and your family!

Sue R.

God is good!!

Brittany

What an awesome God we serve. May he continue to use you and bless you! What a testimony your family has to share with others!

Pam

God is Good! I am thankful that we have a man with Jim's faith and courage in a leadership role at Regions Bank.

VANN STOVALL

WOW!! Thank you for sharing your family's story!! I was captivated by every word. Your strength is amazing, and your inspiring words are comforting to us all! Take Care!!

Carol

Wow, what an amazing person. I pray that God continues to make you and your family a Blessing to others. Thank you for sharing your story, you have given me courage and strength to see my own adversaries in a different light.

Alina Toledo

Your story proves again that if God Takes you to it he will see you through it. What an awesome God we have. Your story truly is amazing. Your family will be in my prayers.

Monica

This is a really an inspiring story. My only grandchild is a Down's child. She is now 2 years old and what an amazing story she is. She has touched so many lives in 24 months. Continue to keep the faith and remember Will is God's Child and you were CHOSEN to be his parents. Jer 29:11

Janie

Thank you for sharing your story dear old friend. God is always walking with you and guiding you on this journey through life. You have a wonderful and beautiful family.

Kathy Kaub

Through the storm, through the rain. GOD is true to his word. For all of my help comes from the LORD. GOD BLESS!!

MaryAnn Thomas

I'll tell you what amazes me about this story. So many families would focus on the negative, and never realize the positives that have come from this series of events. Letitia Nelson said it best - Our God is an amazing God. His tenderness is apparent to us every day - if only we will open our eyes. What seems like a tragedy is often a blessing - but we have to have our eyes open to recognize that blessing, and then it's our responsibility to share our insight with others. God bless this precious family.

Melanie Poland

God is so AMAZING!!!!!!! Thank you for your testimony.

Marenda Banks

We can never underestimate the power of God. We have to believe and Trust him. The story of your beautiful baby boy has truly touched my heart. Thank you for sharing.

Dorean

That just goes to show that GOD works in mysterious ways!!!

michelle

God is so good to us. Even more, than we ever may realize. God Blesses us, by us sharing our testimonies with others. How wonderful he is. We are over-comers through Christ, who gives us strength. He waits for us all, to invite him into our lives. He Loves us all. Thank you for sharing your story. And may God Bless you always.

Barbara Moore

The Donatelli's story brought me to tears. What an amazing story of faith and courage. Our prayers are still with you to this day. What a beautiful baby Will is.... and what a beautiful wife and family!!! Thank God for miracles!

Paulette Salmon

God is good, I will be praying for the Donatelli family.

cynthia g. smith

This story is heart touching. GOD always has a plan and is always on time. He is a great GOD. BEST WISHES.

dana dabney

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thanks for sharing. May God continue to encamp around you and your family.

Simeon S Nerelus

Our God is an Awesome God and you and your family will forever be blessed. Thank you for sharing your stories and showing others that know matter what struggles you are faced with, God will help us see us through. I am happy for you and your beautiful family.

Meghan Hall

Simply an amazing story. Thanks for sharing!

S. Williams

Your story is amazing and so are you. Keep on being the strong man that you are and I know that God will continue to watch over you and your family.

Tracy Williams

I am so impressed by your strength and your faith. I believe God is here for all of us if we just open our hearts to him. He surely is here for your family. Thanks be to God.

Elaine Ducote

REMINDER: IF YOU SPEND THE AMOUNT OF TIME PRAYING INSTEAD OF WORRING YOUR LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE COMPLETE! GOD IS A GOOD GOD!!!

SANDRA YOUNG

Jim - you have a beautiful family and a life-long opportunity to share a story of God's mercy!

Cheryl Johnson

God truly works in mysterious ways!!!! He's always there to help us. God bless you and your family!!!!

Wanda

IT JUST PROVES TO EVERYONE THAT GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. HE REIGN OVER HEAVEN AND EARTH. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

ROSAL SIBLEY

Each of you will always be in my prayers. Your families faith has reminded us all how great and ever present God is!

Sharon Johnson

What an inspiring story. It is amazing how someone can encourage others so much through their trials by having such great faith in God. This story truly touched my heart... That sweet baby saving his mother's life before he was even born... Awesome!

Kim

God is so good and is always in control. He ultimately finds ways to bring glory to him in all that he does. What a good thing to know he is planning our future long before we know it. What a blessing, thanks for sharing your story.

Kim

Thank you so much for having the courage to share your family story. It is touching and moving and truly makes me appreciate the good that God has given my family.

Brittany

All praises be to GOD!!

S. Bryant

I began reading your story with tears in my eys but OH how GOD worked this situation out for all involved. You truly have a testimony. May GOD continue to bless you and your family.

ReGail Pearce

Enjoyed reading your story of struggle that ends in inspiration. What a great family.

connie

God is so good!! I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised. Thank you for sharing your story.

Nancy Russell

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow..... thanks for sharing your heart.

Ouida Salter

Thank you for sharing your story. Like you stated it's hard to talk about your personal life but sometimes by talking you not only help yourself but sometimes you help others. My prayers are with your family and thank you so much for sharing it really is inspiring.

Shelly McKinney

You are so blessed to have the family that you have! God chose a very special family to raise and love Will. The joy that he will bring you all will surpass all human understanding!!! I will keep you in my prayers always!

Gail Dyal