Skagit County woman with Down syndrome beats the odds, graduates college and wins award Jessica Lonergan's family was told when she was born that she'd likely never walk, talk, read or write. Now, 22 years later, she's transforming lives. Author: Chris Cashman Updated: 6:47 PM PST March 9, 2021 SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — When Jessica Lonergan was born, doctors told her family she'd likely never walk, talk, read or write. Now, nearly 22 years later, she's not only accomplished all of those things, but she's even graduated college. Jessica was born prematurely and suffered several brain hemorrhages that led to cerebral palsy. She was also diagnosed with Down syndrome and spent most of her young life in and out of the hospital with numerous surgeries that resulted in four rods and 28 screws in her back.