Baby born with Trisomy 18 defies the odds: 'He's stronger than anyone I know'

A little boy who doctors said would never survive pregnancy is now home with his family after spending 450 days in the hospital. Baby Xander was diagnosed in the womb with Trisomy 18, and survived thanks to the "intentional support" the family received.

Key Takeaways:

• Baby Xander was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 while in utero; his parents were told he would never survive.

• Seeking help via online support groups, the family found medical support at Mott Children's Hospital.

• Although he experienced an extended hospital stay and many medical challenges, Xander was recently discharged from the hospital.

• Many families have been inaccurately told that their children with Trisomy 18 are "incompatible with life," only for their children to defy the odds with medical treatment.

The Details:

WDIV Detroit shared the story of Xander Zeh, a little boy born with Trisomy 18. Xander's parents were given inaccurate information at the time of his diagnosis and told that he would die in utero. However, Xander has defied the odds and is now home with his family.

Miracle baby defies odds, returns home after 450 days at Mott Children’s Hospital

Xander's mom, Alesia Zeh, recalled receiving the devastating news from the doctor that her child would not survive pregnancy.

"I was about 10 weeks pregnant at the time, and our doctor had told us that I had two weeks left of the pregnancy. That these babies don't survive. They don't make it to birth."

Thankfully, Alesia and her husband Bradshaw were able to connect with medical professionals at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who knew that the prognosis was wrong — and who were willing to help.

"[W]hen we went to Motts, they immediately changed our perspective and gave us new hope," Bradshaw said.

Xander survived to birth and beyond, but his early life has not been without challenges.

“During the early days, it was crucial. He just day three had a surgery. He just kept checking boxes. And that momentum really kind of built on to where we started to believe, like, okay, he’s gonna make it,” Bradshaw said.

“He has gone through five or six major surgeries throughout his life, and even we got a cancer diagnosis when he was about six months old. So he’s even undergone chemo and liver resection surgery,” explained Alesia. “He’s stronger than anyone, anyone we know."

Why It Matters:

The Zeh family is fortunate that they were able to look beyond the initial diagnosis and connect with organizations and a medical team that were willing and able to help Xander. They credit social media support groups and other online resources for helping them navigate the diagnosis and get the help they needed.

"We fully are aware that without their intentional support, that we probably aren’t here today, we probably aren’t having this conversation,” Bradshaw said.

Go Deeper:

Unfortunately, many families do not receive the same support. Though many doctors tell parents that Trisomy 18 always causes death at before or shortly after birth, baby Xander is not the first child to have proven this prognosis false. Read more stories about Trisomy 18 miracles here:

• WATCH: Five-year-old Brianna has Trisomy 18, and her life is bringing hope to families

• My daughter has Trisomy 18 and her life is beautiful

• Trisomy 18 is not an automatic death sentence. These children are proof.

• My son has Trisomy 18, and he is a three-year-old miracle