By Dave Andrusko
For many people, the Saturday night banquet that ends the annual NRLC Convention is the highlight of their time at the pro-life educational event of the year.
After attending many of the 40+ workshops and other powerful general sessions, attendees see the dinner as a chance to relax and reflect on everything they have taken in.
It would difficult to imagine a more appropriate closing set of speakers than Chloe Kondrich and her dad, Kurt Kondrich. Although having just turned 16, Chloe-the inspiration behind the Down Syndrome Prenatal Education Act [“Chloe’s Law”] in Pennsylvania—travels from one end of this country to another, embodying the message “Embrace, don’t erase” Down syndrome.
This ambassador for equality and her dad wowed the audience. (The line up to take pictures with Chloe was very impressive. At the conclusion of the first general session, pro-life South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster got in line. Later, at another general session, she met with Ashley Bratcher, the star of the pro-life movie, “Unplanned.”)
Kurt told the Kondrich family’s history. Of how he and his wife Margie were older when Margie became pregnant with their second child. (Watching Chloe and Nolan, her older brother, interact while their dad spoke was priceless.)
In 2003, Kurt was in his 20th year as a police officer and having delivered a baby on the sidewalk 17 years before, he knew it was important that they hear a strong crying sound (Chloe aspirated during the delivery).
Within five minutes of the delivery, the signs from the physicians were not encouraging. One doctor said Chloe had “characteristics of Down syndrome.” Not knowledgeable about what that meant, Kurt said, “Can I hold my daughter, please?” He responded, “Yes, do you want to hold her?”
As Kurt wrote, “I detected surprise in his voice, but Chloe looked right into my eyes, and I instantly fell in love with this precious gift God had given our family.”
The rest, as they say, is history. They’ve traveled seemingly everywhere, testifying against this “prenatal genocide,” meeting with President Trump and Vice President Pence, and becoming the face of “Embrace, don’t erase.”
As Kurt told NRL News Today,” I know and believe with all my heart and soul that this is the mission with Chloe’s Foundation that God created our family for, and He is using us as His instruments for this historic LIFE movement.”