Bella's Gift: How One Little Girl Transformed Our Family and Inspired a Nation

by Rick Santorum, Karen Santorum, Elizabeth Santorum (With)

Rick and Karen Santorum’s inspiring story of life with Bella, their special-needs youngest child Four days after Rick and Karen Santorum welcomed their eighth baby into the world they were given the devastating news that their little girl, Bella, was going to die. The full story of life with Bella has never been told until now. This inspiring family memoir explores what it means to embrace and celebrate the life of each person, and find hope, even in the midst of painful challenges. Bella’s Gift is the story of how the entire family came together to love and care for Bella and how God strengthened them during the storms and blessed their family with grace, peace, and joy. Searchingly honest, faith filled, and surprisingly joyful, Bella’s Gift is a loving, lived-out testimony to the truth that everyone counts, even “the least of these.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Book Club, Catholic, Parenting

264 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

American Republican Party politician. He served as a United States Senator representing Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007, and was a candidate for the 2012 Republican Party presidential nomination. On April 10, 2012 Santorum announced the end of his presidential bid.

Santorum holds socially conservative positions, including opposition to same-sex marriage and birth control.

In the Senate, he voted for tax cuts and a balanced budget amendment, supported the use of earmarks, and played a leading role in enacting welfare reform.

He also voted for spending programs for education and transportation such as No Child Left Behind and funding for Amtrak, which he later disavowed.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the first time I heard of the Santorum family, I was watching C-SPAN during the Faith and Family Coalition in Iowa as the GOP hopefuls shared their views on everything form foreign policy to tax reform, and social issues. Mr. Santorum shared stories of his father who came to America with a dream, but the story that touched my heart was the one he shared about Bella. His respect for life at every stage touched me, it was so honest and heartfelt, and his daughter, Bella was living proof of his family's dedication and love. So when I saw that I had the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at the chance.

This book tells not just Bella's story, but the story of how God was preparing them and their hearts to love and defend Bella. Their pain at the loss of their son, and their joy with every one of Bella's triumphs. Told through alternating chapters written by Rick and Karen, this book chronicles the miracle of Bella and how she changed their lives, and touched the hearts of America.

Bella beat so many odds, she was considered "not compatible with life" yet she surpassed every expectation, well beyond the hours she was originally given to live. She is now thriving at seven years old, a miracle. Karen and Rick fought for her life and right to proper medical care many times, loving her unconditionally, thanking God for every day with her.

This is a heartwarming, powerful read, honest, real, that I felt showed a hug part of who the Santorums are and their respect and value of all life. I really loved how they talk about how happy Bella is, and while there are many things she may never do, she brings joy and is living her life to the fullest. An inspiring read, and in depth read about family and unconditional love that I read late intp the night and had trouble putting--actually I didn't put it down! Definitely a book I'd highly recommend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

[Mira Moehrke · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I learned (after pushing through 200 pages) about Trisomy 18 was marginal. Hence my disappointment. What the reader learns about Bella can barely fill one chapter... The remainder of the story is repetitive political script and redundant scriptures. These parents capitalize on their child's genetics; yet barely delve into Bella's life. Instead they repeatedly chastise the medical professionals with whom they initially meet and, in what feels like a paid advertisement, sing high praise for the staff at CHOP. The one redeeming aspect of the Santorum family story is the close relationship and bond the children have with one another and Bella. Save your money; read your Bible.

[Liz Terek · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, Rick Santorum's name is familiar to me. I remember his first win for the House & he stood out to me as a great candidate for families with his Pro-Life stance & obvious moral compass. After reading 'Bella's Gift', I see my initial opinion of his character was right.

Whether or not you back the Santorums politically, all will agree that their family doesn't just talk the talk. They live their faith. Beautifully honest, Bella's life journey is told with integrity. While maintaining a family of eight children, the Santorums brave the ups & downs of parenting a special needs child. This darling, little angel was born with a condition known as Trisomy 18, or Edward’s Syndrome. Very few of the children born with this illness make it to age one. Doctors informed them that they needed to prepare for her impending death. They believed otherwise.

Fighting for Bella's rights, they navigate the often complicated medical system. Relying on God to guide them in their parenting, Rick & Karen are not just role models for special needs parents: they're role model for parents of every child. Beating the odds just seemed to come naturally for them.

Follow the dynamic story of a family overcoming the odds to celebrate their miracle girl. It is a must read for every parent of any faith. If you aren't yet a parent, their story will give you a total new respect for those who are parents. I highly recommend reading it. You'll be very glad you did! It's absolutely a 5 star piece.

[Agatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of this nearby Northern Virginia family with 8 children, one whom they lost when born too early and one who was born with an extra 18th chromosome (called Trisomy 18). This book, especially Karen’s sections, spoke to me as a mother, referencing all of the hard work, wear and tear, and just pure grunt work that you put in, trying to create a supportive and healthy family life for your children, and how you often feel like you are just not doing enough, or not doing it right. I had not previously known that Karen had been a NICU nurse as well as a lawyer before having children; truly, her medical training sounds like it saved Bella’s life more than once. (I know I myself often feel overwhelmed when sent home from the hospital after my children's surgeries; sometimes I feel that a basic 6-month medical training course should be a prerequisite before you have to become a mom.) I took away the reminder to lean more on God (to realize that these children were given to us by Him and He is helping me – it is a team effort here – it’s not just my husband and I here in the trenches by ourselves) and to nurture my relationship with my husband.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if the death sentence of Trisomy 18 was not in the condition, but in the diagnosis? In this modern age of medicine, who gets to decide what conditions and people are "compatible with life?" What do those with disabilities, who will never be able to "do" anything for anyone, have to teach us? And what does the way we treat them have to say about our society? These are the questions asked and answered in this compelling and mostly well-written memoir. It was a fascinating and brisk read, mostly well-edited, and told with a lot of raw emotion. I know it's just a memoir but I would have loved some statistics on Trisomy 18, children born with disabilities,and hospitals that excel at treatment besides the few mentioned. With a bit more careful editing (a few stories and sentiments were repeated redundantly), this would have been a five star review. If I could give it 4 1/2 that would be the most accurate. Highly recommend.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely family, well written with the boldness of a politician. The faith based background is what held this family together. I enjoyed this book, however, I felt it to be quite repetitive in nature. The subject is very sad and emotional, but at times I felt like I read the same thing over and over throughout.
I also feel very sad for this family because I can't even image what life is like living with a child with special needs, specifically, to this standard. I found myself wondering throughout this book how the other children truly felt. Yes, I'm sure they love their sister, but their lives have been shaken and I wonder how much attention they have lost or suffered from their parents being completely attentive to their sister. Again, awesome family, just feel bad for the other children.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the family’s story and their love and dedication to their daughter. A really needed light in a world that often sees people’s worth as directly related to their abilities and “contributions” to society. I would give the content more stars but the format was a bit difficult to read, I wish it was more chronological. Due to some chapters written by Karen and some by Rick, there ended up being a lot of repeat of stories and thoughts and at times it was either confusing (because if wasn’t at first obvious a story was about the same incident mentioned earlier) or redundant. The writing was also a bit awkward at points.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the book was really good but it did have a political flair/slant to it at times hence the 3 stars.

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like the story line was very good, but it was a little hard to follow and seemed to be very repetitive.

[LeonaJane · Rating 3 out of 5]

partial read - parts were good. but it got repetitive.

[Annalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing-wise, could have used a bit more editing down, but it was encouraging to read about a child with t18 who has lived well beyond the odds.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Bella's Gift by Rick and Karen Santorum.

From:

http://www.bellasgiftbook.com/


On May 13, 2008, the Santorum family welcomed their eighth child into the world. Isabella Maria was born with a rare genetic condition called Trisomy 18, or Edward's Syndrome. Only 10 percent of children with Trisomy 18 are born alive, and 90 percent of those children do not make it to their first birthday. Faced with these bleak statistics, doctors told the family to prepare for Bella's death. Instead, they chose to celebrate her life.
Over the next six miraculous years, the Santorum family adjusted to life with a special needs girl—and watched her transform the lives of everyone around her. In many days of sickness and joy, she became an inspiration to her community and, ultimately, to the nation. Bella’s Gift details the peaks and valleys, the joys and sufferings, and the incredible value of life with a special needs child. In a world that often measures worth according to usefulness, Bella’s story is a reminder that our real value lies in our capacity to love.

AUTHORS
Karen Santorum
Karen Santorum is a former neonatal intensive care nurse and attorney. She is the author of two books: Letters to Gabriel and Everyday Graces: A Child's Book of Good Manners. Karen and her husband of almost twenty-five years, Rick, are the parents of seven wonderful children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria, Peter, Patrick, and Isabella. Her greatest role and love in life is being a wife and mother.

FACEBOOKTWITTER
Rick Santorum
Rick Santorum, a native of Pennsylvania, was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president of the United States in 2012. He served in the House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995 and in the Senate from 1995 to 2007 and is the author of several books, including the 2005 New York Times bestseller It Takes a Family. Rick's most important role and love in life is being a husband and father.

FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAMPATRIOT_VOICESPATRIOTVOICESPATRIOTVOICES Contributor: Elizabeth Santorum
Elizabeth Santorum graduated magna cum laude from the University of Dallas. During the 2012 Republican presidential primary, she spent a year campaigning across the nation on behalf of her father, Senator Rick Santorum. Appearing on CNN, Fox News, NBC, and many other news outlets at twenty years old, she became one of the campaign's most requested speakers. Elizabeth has spent time doing mission work in Uganda, is currently a John Jay Fellow, and absolutely loves being a big sister.

ENDORSEMENTS
Max Lucado
pastor and best-selling author of Before Amen
Life takes sudden turns. The horizon brings unexpected storms. The road we walk is prone to go from smooth to rocky in a matter of steps. No one is spared the difficult path. Rick and Karen Santorum weren't. The birth of their daughter Bella was a birth into a life they never asked to enter. Their faith was tested, their futures were rerouted. And, as a result of it all, they are different people. You know the Santorums as public figures in the halls of Congress and on the trails of a presidential campaign. You are about to know them as parents of a special girl. Their struggles, fears, faith, and fortitude -- it's all in these pages. I urge you to read this book. Life takes sudden turns for all of us. And we need wisdom from a family who has kept their balance and stayed on the road.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
parents on TLC's 19 Kids & Counting
We love the Santorum family and the way they love children like God loves children. Rick championed the bill to end partial birth abortion in America. The Santorum family has tirelessly fought to return our nation back to the Christian values our country was founded upon. Bella's Gift will inspire families and marriages to draw close to God through the joys and the hard times of life.

Sean Hannity
television and radio host, author, and political commentator
I have gotten to know Rick, Karen, and their family really, really well over the years. This book is a love story from two parents who walk the walk as husband and wife, father and mother. In typical Santorum style, they pull no punches, but they will also pull at your heart and your soul.

Greta Van Susteren
Fox News Channel personality
Bella’s father was a Fox News Contributor so I have known about this little child since the day she was born. She is nothing short of amazing—she has beaten all odds! This book is a touching love story about how this very challenged child enriched her family . . . and anyone who meets her. You will be enriched—and inspired—by reading her story.

Archbishop Charles Chaput
One of the joys of being alive is to see love in action and the indelible mark it leaves on the world. Karen and Rick Santorum have written the kind of extraordinary book about their daughter with special needs that moves the heart and stays in the memory.

Michael G. Lamb M.D. and Kathleen G. Lamb M.D
Bella Santorum's story is one that all medical professionals should read and profit from. Her and her family's struggle, besides being inspiring, is also medically enlightening. Too many members of her medical team assumed that her situation was hopeless. This was not so much from a lack of caring as it was a lack of knowing. A detailed, careful reading of the medical literature on children with Trisomy 18 reveals that these children do not have the dismal outcomes that some so-called experts claim. In rare disorders like Bella's, there really are no experts. The ideal professional will yearn to become the expert, seek the truth, know the facts, and assess the entire situation. He or she needs to know in detail all about the child, the medical condition, and the family situation. Only then is one able to really offer good care. Unfortunately, the tendency to 'write off' children like Bella is all too common in modern American medicine with its bottom line, dollars and cents, mentality. Hopefully this book will help to change some of that.

Mark Levin
lawyer, author, and host of The Mark Levin Show
Bella’s Gift is a must read. I've had the privilege of enjoying family dinners at the Santorum’s home with the entire family, including Bella. I've witnessed the love that she has for her family and they for her. Bella’s story reminds us that love requires sacrifice, an idea that is becoming increasingly lost in our selfish society. Read it. You’ll be moved, inspired, and encouraged by the story of this little girl and her heroic family

George F. Will
syndicated columnist
The radiant truth about special-needs children, such as the Santorums’ Bella, is that they give to those around them something that we all need. This gift, that suffuses every page of this marvelous book, is the reminder that every life is sanctified by the capacity to receive and respond to love.


MEDIA INQUIRIES For press inquiries regarding Bella's Gift please contact
Emily Lineberger at emily.lineberger@harpercollins.com
Copyright © 2014 HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
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Leona's Review:

First, no matter what your political views are, this will touch the hearts of all. A moving book about a little girl that has stolen the hearts of those who meet her and the ones who have seen her on TV or read her story.
I knew that little Bella had this disease as she was in the news when her father was running for president. He quit the race for his family.
I lost my husband of almost 57 years of marriage in January and maybe this is one reason this book touched me so deeply. Life is precious at any stage of life, before and after birth.
The descriptions of Bella giggling and her smile was visual. The reader follows the struggle and tears of the family as well as the family fun times. The Santorum have much faith in God even with the trials they have with a child who needs constant care.
Every other chapter is written by the parents of Bella. When reading, you want to reach out and give them a hug. Each chapter begins with the word LOVE.
There are pictures in the book which add to the feelings of the book.
The other children play an important part in the lives of their parents, each other and Bella.
I saw this book offered to read and review on booklookbloggers. I almost did not read it because of my stress at this time but I am so glad I did. I really made the decision after I saw the Santorums and Bella on FOX more than once. I had to read a chapter of at a time but that Is OK. It is a good family read.
This would make a wonderful gift for parents who have a special need child.
I received a complimentary copy of Bella's Gift to read and review. The opinions are my own.

Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has a child with special needs or wants to know what life is like inside that world and desires to gain compassion for the parents and children who are affected by living daily with special needs, this book is a delight and a gem.

[Jeremiah Cunningham]

This should be a required read for any young couple, preferably before they get married, but certainly before they begin to raise a family. While the book focuses on the parenting of a special needs child, the lessons taught are applicable to parenting any child.

One of the greatest lessons of this book is the need to focus on the joys of life. Life can get so busy, so difficult, and so stressful that we forget to see the joy in the little things in life. Parents need the reminder that just the simple giggles of our children are a tremendous blessing and a daily gift.

The other lesson we can all take from the writings of the Santorums is the need to not back down from a fight. They were told by anyone and everyone that Bella could not possibly survive. Thankfully, they did not listen to the thoughts of others and instead took on the fight for Bella's life full-force. This lesson is one we should all apply to our lives. Step up for the worthy fights and give them all the effort we have.

I hope all will take the time to read this book and apply it to their lives.

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you don't agree with the politics of Rick Santorum, this book is an excellent summary of life with a special needs child, who has a rare condition. The Santorums and other families share that once you have a child with Trisomy 18 (a rare genetic condition similar to Down's syndrome), some in the medical community don't do all that they can to provide medical care to these children. Since so many of these children don't live long past birth, they just assume that your child won't either. This surprised me.

Their daughter has beaten the odds of living with Trisomy 18 and she is now 7 years old. The Santorums talk about the joy and challenges their daughter brings to their lives. If Mrs. Santorum was not trained as a critical care pediatric nurse, I don't think Bella would have survived at least one of the illnesses that she has gotten. I think that God placed Bella with the right parents to take care of her.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

not improve till she gets to heaven, all she will ever know is love Fatima, talking to the angels, love necessitates truth, most important job shepherd children to heaven, accepting God’s Will does not mean abandoning hope, prayer can do impossible, live by spirit not limitations, a life converts energy, hospital avoids risks, holes in heart closed lung cleared, rhythm of home schooling, comfort care do not resuscitate vs life-saving care, save Bella run for president as hospital withheld info in similar case and limited room availability, love is to be vulnerable, no fear in love, everyday sacrifice with great love, pink rose gratitude, make your life a place of beauty, God sees spiritual weakness perhaps not physical, serve endure character hope, see gratitude then joy, how much did you love.

[JSL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I purchased this book. I could not read this without crying. The Santorum children's reception of Bella when she first came home is poignant and beautiful. Karen Santorum paints beautiful pictures with her words. Lots of family pics at end. Amazing family doing hard things and doing them well to the glory of God. A very good read, inspiring and challenging. This book includes the beautiful monologue on Down's Syndrome that I first heard in a movie years ago--Welcome to Holland. Karen Santorum attributes it to Emily Perl Kingsley. It is appropriate with any disabled child.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. You will definitely need Kleenex when you read it! It was refreshing to hear a politician speak boldly and compassionately for the rights of preborn children and disabled people. Rick and Karen are very transparent about their struggles with losing a child within hours after birth and caring for their daughter with Trisomy 18. I was confused sometimes because the chapters switched between Rick's and Karen's perspective -- and they aren't necessarily in chronological order.

[MaryAnne Vandigriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL BELLA

This is an amazing FAMILY! I thought this was just another story of a handicapped child; however, it is so much more. It is beautifully written and is so full of love, you can feel it as you read. I appreciated the honesty of their despair and the deep faith that carries them through each day. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU!

[Debra Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story!

One of the best! :) Having taught school, I so related with this story of Bella and some of thoe children I taught! I loved my special needs children. Even after retiring, I still keep up with my children .... I go to dance recitals, ballgames, lunches, ... you can't let them go. You are in love with them forever!

[Heather Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I loved this book for so many reasons. I enjoyed hearing the perspectives of different people in Bella's life. It was well written, full of faith and encouragement. The lessons and message in this book can be applied to all of the difficult circumstances we face in life. There are SO many great quotes as well. I highly recommend this book.

[Heidi Busch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella's Gift is Rick and Karen Santorum's story of how they are living, though faith in God, with their children including Bella, their youngest daughter who was born with Trisomy 18. It is an interesting look at how their faith has sustained them through the high's and lows of being the parents of a child with disabilities. It is well written and offers food for thought.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

Presently going through chemotherapy, I found much to be thankful for in reading this book. I have been inspired to find the joy every day. This is a must read for anyone who needs to be uplifted.

[Alyssa Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me many new perspectives on love.

This was an exceptional read. I feel nourished by Rick and Karen Santorum's descriptions of love. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel more love more deeply.

[Cindy Dial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. This is an amazing family.

[kmm1985 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story about an amazing little girl and a loving family!

[Nancy]

WM Feb 2015,hardcover.

[John Malsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written book that will definitely impact your previous thoughts on children with birth defects. An inspirational read could not put it down till I finished.

[Shalanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching, personal story of the birth & life of the Santorum's special needs daughter, who was born with Trisomy 18.

[Mary Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this faith/love filled journey of one family with their sweet blessing of a child.