MLB's Jake Burger and Wife Share Reaction to Baby Daughter Penelope's Down Syndrome Diagnosis: 'Biggest Blessing' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jake Burger and his wife Ashlyn with daughter Penelope.Photo:Brigette Billups (2)

Brigette Billups (2)

MLB’sJake Burgerand his wifeAshlynhave always been determined to love their kids unconditionally.

“Our initial thought on learning about her diagnosis was simple, we just looked at each other and I had said to Ash, ‘Okay, and?’ " Burger recalls. “Life isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to be fulfilling and this is God’s way of doing just that.”

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Jake Burger, Ashlyn, Penelope.Brigette Billups Photography

Brigette Billups Photography

Rather than becoming an obstacle to overcome, Burger and Ashley share how learning of Penelope’s Down syndrome diagnosis became one of their “biggest blessings.”

“Grieving for us was not about her diagnosis, it was about how we felt that having Down syndrome shouldn’t limit anyone’s capabilities in life,” they share.

“What seems as an insurmountable obstacle usually becomes one of the biggest blessings, but it’s hard to see that amidst all the ‘differents,’ how she navigates the world will be different, how she looks will be different, how her needs will be different, how we help her become the best version of herself will be different, how she makes friends will be different, all those little things you usually don’t think twice about.”

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Jake Burger, Ashlyn, and Penelope.Brigette Billups Photography

“Different looks scary or daunting but that’s what makes all of us who we are. That’s when we realized God blessed us with her so that we could help others see Down syndrome the same way,” they tell PEOPLE.

In a sentimental poston Instagram, the proud parents revealed that Burger is “the only active MLB player with a child with Down syndrome.” Regardless, they insist, “her diagnosis is not what defines her or her life, it’s what makes her who she is, and we wouldn’t want her any other way.”

While they were already aware of Penelope’s diagnosis before she was born, the couple didn’t expect to find such an “amazing” community of parents who also have kids with special needs.

“The love and support we felt from our family and from those and the community with children that have special needs has been mind-blowing and has allowed us to feel a sense of purpose,” they say. “We know our journey is just beginning with our sweet Penelope but knowing the love and support around us makes that easier.”

“Our mission is to help as many families as we can as we travel through this beautiful girl and her beautiful life,” Burger and Ashlyn tell PEOPLE. “God has gifted us a beautiful soul and a beautiful girl, and we can’t wait to watch her grow up and achieve everything she wants to in life.”

source: people.com