Pearl Joy Brown is the third child of Ruth and Eric Brown.
At the Browns’ 20-week prenatal appointment, Pearl was diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE), a neural disease with low chances of survival. Despite a grim prognosis and a doctor’s encouragement to induce labor and end the pregnancy, the Browns opted to embrace life and hope and carry Baby Pearl to term.
Pearl Joy Brown was born on Friday, July 27, 2012 — 4 lbs 3 oz, and very much alive.
This blog contains updates on Pearl’s condition and glimpses of the Brown’s inspiring faith both before and after her birth.
Thank you for reading, praying and sharing.
Pearl Joy Brown 
God is so good. She is so beautiful. I am so thankful that things went so well. We will continure to hold Pearl and Ruth and Eric and the girls as well as the family in prayer. Love to you all.
Baby Pearl is blessed. “1Jn.5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us.” Mr. Eric and Mrs Ruth Brown, I thank God that Baby Pearl is doing well. We must pray with out ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
God is so good. She is so beautiful. I am so thankful that things went so well. We will continure to hold Pearl and Ruth and Eric and the kids as well as the family in prayer. Love to you all.
How wonderful are the ways of the Lord!!!! We are praying for all of you and thanking God for His hand of care over you. Love you all.
She is absolutely beautiful. I keep checking the blog just to hear and see updates. I’ve been praying for baby pearl, and she as well as your family will continue to be in my prayers daily!
Hi Suzanne, I came across this blog because I am 28 weeks pregnant with my first child, a girl, and she has been diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly. I was wondering if you’d be willing to email with me more about their labor and delivery and how they approached the doctors about helping Baby Pearl after she was born? samantha.mlot@gmail.com Thanks!
What a beauty you have! My second child, Abby, had alobar HPE. Our story is so similar- of getting the diagnosis at a routine 20 week u/s, being “offered” termination, and firmly believing that we were meant to carry her into this world and care for her for however long God intended. Abby truly changed our lives, and I am so greatful for her. If you haven’t already, contact and register with the Families for HoPE- they are a tremendous resource for families living with HPE (or those with a prenatal diagnosis). http://www.familiesforhope.org There is also a pretty active community on Facebook-It can be helpful at a time when you may feel like “the only one” who knows what you’re going through. Message Shria Jonker Arnold or Leslie Patton Harley to be added to the group. I wish your family the best. God bless!
I found your story through FaithandFamilyLive.com and I am so blessed. My 2 year old just saw the picture of Pearl and said “Tovah!” which is the name of our little 2-month-old girl. Imagine that, he’s pure enough that he doesn’t see the difference! I will be praying for your beautiful family. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your faith and the struggles you went through. Reading it has been really inspiring and nourishing to my faith in Jesus. God bless you.
Greater love than this, hath no man.
Just saw Pearl’s story on channel 5 (Nashville). Praying for baby Pearl and family. What a sweet family.
I received this on face book today and was awed at Pearl’s beauty and will to live..She has faith behind her and God has sent you a precious Angel. I loved your Blog and even enjoyed looking at your family pictures, beautiful family by the way! I am sending you heart felt prayer’s and many hugs and smiles….the hugs are to embrace you for the strength and the tears you have shed, the smiles are for laughter and hope and to give you a ray of sunshine to brighten your days…Many blessings to you and your family and to beautiful baby Pearl..
I pray that Pearl defeats all odds, thanks to God, and lives a good long life!
Beautiful Pearl, I pray to God that you will defeat all odds that the doctors have said and will grow up and enjoy and healthy life with your loving family. Many many prayers sweet baby girl.
Father God bless and keep you all for choosing life for Pearl. Through her life and your outreach many will know of her life and your act and many will be forever changed.
This Beautiful Child has already defied the odds and I pray that GOD will continue to bless Pearl & her Family. Where there is life there is hope.
Pearl Joy is a true miracle from God, a blessing and so blessed that He knew exactly the right family to give her to. Praying for you all and sending heartfelt love,
Shelly
What a wonderful story. Your strength is an inspiration to me. Thank you ♥
What a precious angel she is, Hold onto the Lord for hope and strength
You have a beautiful baby girl. She is precious!! My prayers are with you and your family.
Praying and thanking God for you all!! What a beautiful testimony of God’s love and grace!! Thank you for your inspirational story. God’s very best to your whole family.
Pearl is a wonderful little girl. Whether she lives another year or another sixty years, she is a true testimony to the MERCY and love of God.
You are a Very Courageous Family, God Bless you for following Gods plan, you have followed him when most would not. I pray that you always Keep your Faith Strong, That our Lord God guide you & your Family in all that you do. That he continues to Bless you in every way.That you Smile Big, & Laugh a lot. In his name I pray – Amen
Here is a powerful friend in heaven for your little Pearl. Her name — Margaret — also means “pearl.”
http://saints.sqpn.com/blessed-margaret-of-castello/
Just read Pearl’s story for the first time. It brought such joy to know that there are others who share our same perspective…I am MiMi to Davis, Bryce, and Mary Carolyn who are 1,2, and 3. Like Pearl, Bryce was born with HPE. He too had a cleft lip which made eating very difficult. However being GOD”S CHILD, he was able to make his first year without tube feeding. Now Bryce is two and everyday is a gift from God. My daughter lives in Birmingham, Alabama, while we live in Mobile, Alabama. God not only has provided one of the best hospitals in the world but also some wonderful physicians. He also has provided a community of brothers and sisters in Christ who assist with his care. Thank you for reminding us how important and precious is the life of God’s Children!
God’s greatest blessings to little Pearl and her family and their wonderful helpers. She is beautiful! God never makes “mistakes”. We are all here for His purpose.
hi i just wanted to let yall know that i know mr franlin and he has shared her story with me and i am going to pray for pearl and the family yall are in my prayers 🙂
would love to see more pictures of Pearl….she’s definitely a beautiful gift from God!!!
Hi Eric and Ruth, I have been reading Pearls updates and am just so touched. My heart just fills with love when I think of your family and the fact that you love the Lord and that you want to please Him and give Him all the glory. I smile when I get to see all the beautiful pictures of sweet Pearl and how through her God is glorified.My the Lord continue to bless and keep you all.
I hope you will love this story about Matthew Stanford Robison (1988-1999)
http://www.enjoyutah.org/2013/08/salt-lake-city-cemetery-beautiful.html