Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Carroll.
Hi Carissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In March 2013, I sat in a hospital bed, just having given birth to my second son, Jack, by emergency C-section. Little did I know that the unexpected delivery would pale in comparison to the news that would come shortly after, changing our lives forever. While my husband waited alone during my recovery, a nurse abruptly asked, “Are you aware of Trisomy 21? Your baby is showing signs of Down syndrome.” She continued with, “Well, just enjoy your baby,” and then left the room.
Not knowing how this would impact our future, my husband was left with our newborn and the responsibility to share this news with me. Holding emotions of confusion, shock, and fear, our journey began.
Navigating those first months, grief and tears came because I was holding onto the raw feelings that having a child with Down syndrome was not part of my plan. Slowly surrendering my plans, my eyes opened to a whole new perspective, allowing me to truly accept Jack for who he is, embracing every part of him and this journey. This produced a love and life I wish everyone could know.
Around Jack’s 1st birthday, I met a first-time mom who found herself on the same unexpected journey with her baby. She reflected on the traumatic delivery of her daughter’s diagnosis (seconds after the baby was born, a nurse shouted, “This baby has Down syndrome, get her to the NICU immediately!”) and the treatment her family received during their 3-week hospital stay. My heart grieved with hers as she recalled those moments.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her experience. I believed the diagnosis delivery and her hospital stay directly impacted her ability to accept her new life with her daughter. Yet, her story was like so many I had heard in that first year of Jack’s life, and it was igniting a fire in my heart to change these stories for the families who would receive a Down syndrome diagnosis in the future. Every child deserves to be celebrated, every family should hear a “congratulations” instead of an “I’m sorry”, or “I have bad news”.
So, on Jack’s 1st birthday, we went back to the same hospital where Jack was born with two baskets to give to families welcoming a baby with Down syndrome. These baskets contained newborn gifts welcoming a baby worthy of celebration. They were also filled with local and national resources, and a letter from our family to theirs, expressing what Jack’s life had taught us in that first year. These baskets welcomed them to a community ready with open arms to share that life is filled with unexpected joy, and their child would change them for the better.
I never could have imagined that delivering those first baskets would impact the world the way it has. Since 2014, Jack’s Basket has celebrated over 13,000 babies in all 50 states and over 60 countries by providing families with gifts, support, and up-to-date resources, and training providers to deliver diagnoses in an unbiased way.
I am thankful for Jack, who changed my heart in the very best ways. Because of Jack, I am more patient and accepting. Because of him, I choose to go outside of what’s comfortable and easy, to advocate and speak life into our world. Jack has encouraged me to look at each person as someone who is created with a purpose, with an ability to make the world a better place. My heart wishes that the world would do the same for him.
I would not change him for the world, but I will change the world because of him.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building and running Jack’s Basket has required a lot of learning, trying new things, and stepping into the unknown. It’s taken hard work, grit, determination, and a willingness to keep going even when the answer is “no.” There have been challenges in figuring things out as we go, building the right connections, and navigating moments of uncertainty. But what has kept me moving forward is the deep belief that these babies and their families deserve better. That passion fuels the perseverance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Jack’s Basket exists to celebrate babies born with Down syndrome. Each basket represents hope, connection, and love in a time that can otherwise be overwhelming and isolating for families. We are striving to change the narrative around Down syndrome so that every family’s story begins with “Congratulations!” instead of “I’m sorry”. Since 2014, Jack’s Basket has celebrated over 13,000 babies in 62 countries and all 50 states.
In addition to the basket, which is filled with gifts and resources, each family is also offered the opportunity to connect with a Jack’s Basket Parent Volunteer. We have over 260 volunteers in 47 states, plus one in Singapore, all who are raising a child with Down syndrome. This parent-to-parent connection gives new families a trusted resource who is a little farther along on this journey, allowing them to answer questions, offer support, and give new families a real look at what it is like to raise a child with Down syndrome.
Along with our Basket Delivery Program, Jack’s Basket also focuses on improving the diagnosis experience for families. We do this by equipping medical providers with tools and resources to deliver a diagnosis of Down syndrome accurately and without bias. The key focus of this work is reframing the diagnosis from “bad news” to “unexpected news”. In 2025 alone, we reached over 1,100 providers through our presentations and trainings. Because of this work, over 875 providers have requested a Jack’s Basket for one of their patients.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never give up, because it’s worth it. That belief has been shaped by everything Jack has taught me. Some things require patience, some require advocacy, and some simply aren’t the right fit, and that’s okay. But when you lead with love, embrace the unexpected, and keep going, there is always something meaningful on the other side. That’s what makes the journey worth it.
Pricing:
- Each basket is offered free of cost to families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacksbasket.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksbasket/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacksbasket/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jacksbasket/
