Diagnosed with Down syndrome and a heart defect, Ruthie’s family turned to the UC Davis Pediatric Heart Center and MIND Institute for help.

“From where we started and all the worries we had to where we are now is like a dream,” said Katy, Ruthie’s mom. “I would tell other parents to trust the experts. You are in good hands. We certainly were.”

Ruthie enjoys reading and playing with her brother and is now in preschool.

Read Ruthie’s full story