Show Notes
Following the recent storyline in Eastenders, where a couple have received a diagnosis of Trisomy 18, we wanted to answer a question that may arise from this. Can HIV cause Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18?
In the story, the mothers partner has been diagnosed with HIV, and there have been questions regarding whether it could be a cause Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18. In light of this, we wanted to reach out to our professional adviser for comment and also speak with one of our support volunteers regarding her experience. Today’s podcast is a roundtable discussion on the subject of the EastEnders HIV storyline.
We’re joined by Nora Shannon and Laura Petrie to discuss this topic and clear up any confusion that has arisen.
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If you need support, please get in contact with [email protected]
For more information, visit www.soft.org.uk
Song: Mellow Music by: CreatorMix.com
More from Trisomy Family Stories
In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Natalie Morris, CEO and Founder of The Feeding Trust. Natalie is a specialist Speech and Language Therapist with extensive experience supporting children and families affected by pediatric feeding disorders. https://www.feedingtrust.org/
Claire Rowe bravely speaks of her Trisomy journey with her daughter Loreley. Having already faced a still birth she was devastated to find out her next pregnancy wasn’t to be as she hoped. For more information, visit www.soft.org.uk For more information about screening, visit: https://www.soft.org.uk/in-pregnancy-copy
In this episode, we hear from Ann-Marie who received a diagnosis of Full Trisomy 18 at 20 weeks pregnant; news that would change the course of her pregnancy and her expectations overnight.
In this episode, we’re joined by Enny, who shares the remarkable journey of her daughter Isabelle, now two years old and living with Full Trisomy 13.
In this episode, we are honoured to be joined by Niamh Lynch, who shares the story of her beloved son, Cillian. At just 12 weeks pregnant, Niamh was told that Cillian had Trisomy 13, a diagnosis that would change everything. In this deeply moving conversation, Niamh speaks with honesty and grace about the months that followed: the shock, the fear, the love, and the impossible decisions no parent ever expects to face. Niamh reflects on carrying Cillian, bonding with him, and learning how to hold space for both hope and heartbreak at the same time. She also shares how reaching out to SOFT UK became a source of comfort, connecting her with other families who truly understood what she was facing, and reminding her that she was not alone on this path. Through speaking with parents who had walked similar journeys, Niamh found reassurance, strength and a sense of belonging during an otherwise isolating time. Her story is not only about loss, but about love, connection and the quiet power of being heard. This episode is a tribute to Cillian’s life and to the enduring strength of a mother’s love. It offers comfort and solidarity to families walking similar paths, and invites listeners to sit with a story that deserves time, care and compassion.'