The Marita Brings Life Foundation
The Marita Brings Life Foundation is an advocacy organization and a parent and patient association dedicated to children with less common trisomy conditions, such as trisomy 18, trisomy 13, trisomy 9, and related conditions. The foundation focuses on providing support, honest and up-to-date information, and advocacy to both parents and healthcare professionals.
PRESS RELEASE 31st of April 2026:
New foundation committed to improving care for individuals with trisomy conditions and their families
The Marita Brings Life Foundation was founded by medical anthropologist Anika van der Aa from Achel (Be.), mother of Marita (†) with trisomy 18, special needs educator, Marieke Sanen from Zolder (Be.), mother of Febe (†) with trisomy 18, social worker, Mariëlle de Rooij from Purmerend (Nl.), mother of Noémi, with trisomy 18, accountant/auditor Liandha Rijken (Aruba and USA), mother of Lunah with trisomy 18, and veterinary assistant, Ylona Hemrika from Enschede (Nl.), mother of Taylor with trisomy 18. The foundation aims to better support and inform parents of children with trisomy conditions. In the Western world, certain chromosomal conditions have gradually come to be accepted as part of human diversity. Over time, these conditions have shifted from being largely untreated and stigmatized to being broadly recognized, with established medical care and patient rights.
However, this progress has not been mirrored for other trisomies, like trisomy 18, 13, and related conditions.
The Marita Brings Life Foundation, therefore, aims to contribute to more intentional, transparent, and equitable care for all children with trisomy conditions.
Experiences of parents, as well as scientific research, indicate that information provision and decision-making surrounding children with trisomy conditions are often insufficient. The foundation seeks to address this gap by guiding parents and providing up-to-date, balanced, and honest information around these disorders and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in particular.
“Too often, parents receive incomplete information and are not fully involved in decision-making,” says founder Anika van der Aa. “We want to contribute to better care and greater understanding.”
The foundation will pursue its mission through information platforms, parental support, and public awareness initiatives.
Watch our latests interview here conducted
by Rev. Paul Sladkus from Good News Broadcast here:
Come and meet us at Times Square in New York during the next Earth Day Celebration on the 22nd of April:
Our Earth Day presence at Times Square in New York during the Earth Day Celebration on 22nd of April:
https://www.youtube.com/live/YuAXxGp0Qa0?feature=shared
9th of May Courage for Mother's Day Zoom:
With Mother’s Day in mind, we would like to invite you to a special online gathering via Zoom.
This meeting is intended for mothers of children with trisomy, and for mothers who have lost a child with trisomy. Around Mother’s Day, emotions can feel more intense — ranging from love and pride to grief and loss. That is exactly why we want to come together.
During this gathering, we will take a moment to:
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see and hear one another
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share experiences (if you wish)
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offer each other support and encouragement
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reflect on what it means to be a mother, in all its strength and vulnerability
You don’t need to prepare anything. You are welcome to simply come as you are. If you would like to share something during the meeting, please feel free to bring it along. It could be a poem, photos, or something meaningful to you. You may also read something from a book or share whatever feels right for you.
Do you want to join? Message: maritabringslifefoundation@gmail.com for the link.
