A Journey of Love and Hope: The Harvey Family Story
For Michael Harvey, the bond with his adopted brother, Jimmy “James” Taylor, who had Down syndrome shaped his life in profound ways. Growing up, Michael had promised his parents he would always care for James if anything happened to them.
When his James passed away unexpectedly, Michael felt the weight of what he describes as “an unbroken promise.”
Little did he know that life would offer him another chance to fulfill that promise—one that would come in the most beautiful and unexpected way.
A Promise Renewed
When Michael and his wife, Fern, learned they were expecting a child, they eagerly embraced the journey ahead, filled with excitement and routine checkups. Initial genetic blood tests came back normal, giving them no reason for concern. However, during their 20-week ultrasound, doctors discovered a cyst in the baby’s armpit, leading to further testing.
“When we went in for the 20-week ultrasound, they found that cyst in his armpit, and right away, my OB referred me to a specialist,” Fern recalls. An amniocentesis later confirmed that their unborn baby boy, Kingston “King” James Harvey, had Down syndrome, despite earlier blood work indicating otherwise.
For many parents, this news might bring uncertainty or fear, but for Michael, it was something else entirely.
“When we found out that King was going to have Down syndrome, I was actually super excited,” Michael shares. “I felt like I was able to fulfill that promise of taking care of my brother with Down syndrome.”
For Michael, King’s diagnosis wasn’t a setback but a blessing—a chance to honor his brother and embrace a purpose he had long held in his heart.
A Journey of Strength
The path forward wasn’t always smooth.
During a detailed follow-up ultrasound, doctors discovered King had hydrops fetalis—a condition where fluid builds up in a baby’s body. Fern began developing Mirror syndrome, where the mother experiences the same symptoms as the baby.
With serious concerns for both Fern and King’s health, doctors presented them with difficult options. They decided to give King a fighting chance, knowing there was a 1-5% chance that he would survive delivery at 30 weeks.
“The day before, I just prayed,” Michael remembers. “I knew I had to enjoy him, whether it was for either five minutes or for life.”
King surprised everyone with his resilience. His tiny body drained nearly 900 milliliters of fluid daily through chest tubes, and though he had moments where his body began going into shock, he continued to improve.
“Our heavenly Father was on our side,” Fern says softly. “Just from one day to another, his body started absorbing all that water, and he started thriving from there.”
A Life Filled with Love
Today, King is a source of immeasurable joy to his family. The Harveys share that while raising a child with Down syndrome requires patience and dedication, the rewards are beyond measurable.
“Kids with Down syndrome give the most genuine love,” Fern explains with a smile. “It’s not always easy, but every single day there’s something beautiful to celebrate.”
“The only disability is a bad attitude,” Michael adds. “You have to have a positive attitude because that little hug or that little ‘I love you’ is so worth it, so rewarding.”
What makes the Harveys story even more remarkable is a spiritual experience Michael had weeks before King was born. In a dream, Michael’s late brother appeared to him with a message: “Michael you’re going to have a son with Down syndrome, and you’re going to name him Kingston James Harvey.
This special connection between Michael’s past—caring for his brother—and his future as a father to King added another layer of meaning to their journey, confirming for Michael that this path was meant to be.
How CBHA’s 5K Color Run Makes a Difference
Stories like the Harvey family’s remind us why CBHA’s 5K Color Run is so important. By recognizing various childhood conditions, including Down syndrome, the Color Run creates awareness and builds community support for families on similar journeys.
Funds raised from the 5K Color Run help provide essential resources, education, and specialized medical care—lifelines for families like the Harveys.
When you participate in CBHA’s 5K Color Run, you’re not just running for awareness—you’re running alongside families (like the Harveys), supporting their journey every step of the way.
For parents new to the Down syndrome journey, Fern offers a simple but powerful recommendation: “Read the ‘Welcome to Holland’ poem. It’s something that only truly resonates when you’ve experienced it. The road may be long, but it is so, so worth it.”
Join us at this year’s 5K Color Run on August 23, 2025 to support families like the Harvey’s and help spread their heartfelt message. As Michael says, “There’s nothing ‘down’ about it.”
