A story of pure love. Mother and daughter. Graziella Bartolo Pizzuto was shocked when her daughter Faith was diagnosed with down syndrome at birth. Today, Graziella started a wave of change within the Maltese community. She supports other women with down syndrome children and emphasises that there is nothing down with down syndrome.

Check Out Graziella's Full Interview here:

Graziella and her husband were eagerly waiting for the birth of their daughter. After giving birth, Graziella explains how they received the shocking news that their daughter was diagnosed with down syndrome. This news hit her “really, really hard. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel”. However, after some post birth complications ensued and she had to spend a few days away from her daughter, Graziella felt a huge connection and realised that she just adores her daughter, and that she is perfect the way she is, “My daughter is my biggest motivation.”

In the past year, Graziella has had a lot of personal growth. She started a wave of change to end the stigma of Down Syndrome. To achieve this she decided to create a Facebook page and Instagram account called ‘Up and up with Faith’ 

In recent years Graziella used to get caught up in the pressures of everyday life, but now, thanks to her daughter Faith, she has learnt to live day by day because life is unpredictable to all of us. Graziella and her husband have been contacted by many other parents who are experiencing the same struggles and worries and are meeting up with them to be a support system for anyone who might need it. “We really needed support when our daughter was born, so today we are there to support others who are passing through the same situation”.

We all get too carried with the chaos that life throws at us. Graziella emphasised that as women we need to “believe in ourselves, value ourselves, empower each other and have each other’s back at all times”. Women have pressure from every aspect of life, we need to support one another as much as we can.

When asked about her advice to other women during October, the Breast Cancer Awareness month, Graziella stated that life is too unpredictable. “Do not take anything for granted, especially anything related to your health”. Graziella urged our followers, “do not be scared to be checked, do it before it is too late. You are never alone.”

Graziella is being honoured as an Mvintage Shero for her Love. Check out our Love pendants and enjoy endless playful combinations with these simple yet stunning pieces.

Discover the other four Mvintage Sheroes:

Protection SHERO - Elaine Pavia

Admiration SHERO - Allison Kelly 

Kindness SHERO - Francesca Runcie

Faith SHERO - Gabi Calleja