Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, recently shared a touching moment with her daughter Valentina during a special broadcast for World Down Syndrome Day. The segment highlighted the joys of raising a child with Down syndrome and the importance of spreading awareness and acceptance.
Campos-Duffy, a mother of nine, introduced her 5-year-old daughter Valentina to viewers, describing her as a bright and joyful addition to their family. “She’s as lovely, as precious, and as happy as any other child,” Campos-Duffy said. She emphasized that while children with Down syndrome may face some medical challenges, such as heart conditions or thyroid issues, these are often treatable and manageable.
During the segment, Campos-Duffy spoke about the initial fears many parents experience when they receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. She explained that the medical community sometimes contributes to these anxieties by focusing on the challenges rather than the potential joys. “A lot of women get this diagnosis and they get scared,” she said. “But I want people to know that these children bring so much love and happiness into their families.”
Valentina’s presence has had a profound impact on her siblings as well. Campos-Duffy shared that her other eight children have become more empathetic and patient because of their sister. “Our kids have learned tolerance and how to help others,” she said. “Valentina has taught us all so much about love and acceptance.”
The segment also featured a fun moment when Valentina showed off her pilates moves, which she learned during physical therapy. Her cheerful demeanor and enthusiasm captivated viewers, showcasing the unique spirit that children with Down syndrome bring to their families.
Campos-Duffy, a pro-life advocate, also used the platform to discuss the importance of valuing every life, including those with Down syndrome. She credited Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a fellow parent of a child with Down syndrome, for inspiring her advocacy work. “So many children with Down syndrome are being aborted in the womb,” Campos-Duffy said. “But when people meet them and see how wonderful they are, I think we’ll see less of that.”
In addition to her role as a mother and television host, Campos-Duffy reflected on her career, including her appearance on the MTV reality show The Real World: San Francisco in 1994. She noted that the current climate of “woke cancel culture” would make it difficult for a show like hers to air today. “Cancel culture prevents people from speaking honestly,” she said. “It leads to self-censorship and fake virtue signaling.”
Despite the challenges, Campos-Duffy remains a vocal advocate for family values and open dialogue. Her heartfelt conversation with Valentina on Fox & Friends served as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of children with Down syndrome, as well as the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusion.
