Rachel Campos-Duffy, a prominent Fox News host and mother of nine, has never shied away from sharing her life’s joys and challenges. Known for her candid commentary on Fox & Friends Weekend and her advocacy for family values, Campos-Duffy recently opened up about a deeply personal part of her life: raising her youngest daughter, Valentina, who was born with Down syndrome. In a powerful and emotional segment, she shared how Valentina has become a beacon of patience and resilience for her eight older siblings, transforming their family dynamic in ways she never anticipated. Her message to mothers facing a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis was unequivocal: choose life, because the journey, though challenging, is filled with unexpected love and lessons.

Campos-Duffy, 54, is no stranger to the public eye. A former reality TV star on MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco in 1994, she transitioned into a career in conservative media, co-hosting shows like Fox & Friends Weekend and authoring books on family and faith. Married to former Wisconsin congressman Sean Duffy since 1999, the couple has built a bustling household in Wausau, Wisconsin, raising their nine children—Evita, Jack, Lucia-Belen, John-Paul, Paloma, MariaVictoria, Margarita, Xavier, and Valentina—while juggling high-profile careers. But it’s Valentina, born in 2019 with Down syndrome, who has reshaped their family’s perspective, teaching lessons that ripple far beyond their home.

During a recent Fox & Friends Weekend segment, Campos-Duffy sat down to discuss motherhood, faith, and the challenges of raising a child with special needs. The conversation took a poignant turn when she spoke about Valentina, now six years old, whose infectious smile and boundless spirit have become the heart of the Duffy household. “Valentina teaches us all patience,” Campos-Duffy said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “She’s taught my other kids to slow down, to appreciate the small victories, and to love without conditions. She’s our greatest teacher.”

Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, affects approximately 1 in 700 babies born in the United States. It can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and physical challenges like heart defects or low muscle tone. Valentina was diagnosed prenatally, a moment Campos-Duffy described as both daunting and transformative. “When we got the diagnosis, it was overwhelming,” she admitted. “You hear ‘Down syndrome,’ and your mind races with questions about the future. But then you meet your child, and all those fears melt away. Valentina is not her diagnosis—she’s our daughter, our joy.”

Campos-Duffy’s advocacy for children with Down syndrome stems from her lived experience. She recounted how Valentina’s milestones—her first steps at age three, her first words, her gleeful participation in family dance parties—have brought the family closer together. “My older kids have learned to celebrate progress in ways they never would have otherwise,” she said. “When Valentina achieves something, it’s a family victory. They’ve learned to be patient, to help without being asked, and to see the world through her eyes.”

The Duffy household is a whirlwind of activity, with eight siblings ranging in age from early teens to young adults. Evita, the eldest at 26, is pursuing a career in law, while Jack, 22, is a budding entrepreneur. The younger children, including 10-year-old Xavier, are still navigating school and extracurriculars. Campos-Duffy shared a story about Lucia-Belen, 20, who took it upon herself to teach Valentina how to use a sippy cup, spending hours patiently guiding her sister’s hands. “Lucia didn’t give up, even when it was tough,” Campos-Duffy said. “That’s the kind of resilience Valentina inspires in all of us.”

Beyond the personal anecdotes, Campos-Duffy used her platform to deliver a powerful message to expectant mothers. Prenatal testing has made it possible to detect Down syndrome as early as the first trimester, but studies show that a significant percentage of pregnancies with a Down syndrome diagnosis end in termination. Campos-Duffy urged mothers to reconsider. “I know it’s scary,” she said, her eyes glistening. “But don’t let fear rob you of the chance to know your child. Valentina has brought more love into our lives than I could have imagined. Every child deserves a chance to shine.”

Her words struck a chord, resonating with viewers who flooded social media with messages of support. Many shared their own stories of raising children with special needs, praising Campos-Duffy for her vulnerability and advocacy. She emphasized that families don’t need to be perfect to embrace a child with Down syndrome. “You don’t have to have it all figured out,” she said. “You just need love, and the rest falls into place. There are resources, communities, and therapies that help. But the real magic happens in the everyday moments—when your child smiles at you, or when your other kids step up in ways that make you proud.”

Campos-Duffy also highlighted the practical steps her family has taken to support Valentina. Early intervention therapies, including speech and occupational therapy, have been crucial in helping Valentina reach developmental milestones. The family has worked with specialists to address her heart condition, a common issue in children with Down syndrome, which required surgery when she was an infant. “It wasn’t easy,” Campos-Duffy admitted, “but every challenge has made us stronger. Valentina’s strength pushes us all to be better.”

The segment wasn’t just about challenges—it was a celebration of joy. Campos-Duffy shared a lighthearted moment when Valentina insisted on “helping” in the kitchen, smearing flour across her face while attempting to make cookies with her siblings. “The kitchen was a mess, but we were all laughing so hard,” she said. “Those are the memories that matter.” She also spoke about the community they’ve built, from local support groups to organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society, which provide resources and advocacy for families.

As the interview wrapped up, Campos-Duffy reflected on how Valentina has redefined success for their family. “We live in a world obsessed with perfection—perfect grades, perfect careers, perfect lives,” she said. “Valentina reminds us that life isn’t about perfection. It’s about love, growth, and showing up for each other. My kids are better humans because of her.” Sean Duffy, who joined the segment briefly, echoed her sentiments, calling Valentina “our family’s glue.”

Campos-Duffy’s message extended beyond her family, challenging societal perceptions about Down syndrome. She pointed out that people with Down syndrome are living longer, fuller lives, with many attending college, holding jobs, and forming meaningful relationships. “Valentina’s future is bright,” she said. “She’s already teaching us so much, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

For Rachel Campos-Duffy, sharing Valentina’s story is more than a personal mission—it’s a call to action. By opening up about the lessons her daughter has taught her family, she hopes to inspire others to embrace the unknown with courage and love. “To any mother out there facing a Down syndrome diagnosis,” she concluded, “know this: your child will change your life in the best possible way. Don’t be afraid to say yes to that journey.”