Before Lila was born, her parents, Padgett and Mark Mozingo, were told that their daughter would face significant challenges because she had both Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. Like many parents receiving a prenatal diagnosis, they were confronted with discouraging predictions about her future and even
pressured by Padgett’s doctor to abort Lila because she would have “no quality of life.”
“Other than my doctor, no other medical professional questioned Lila’s right to top-notch care,” Padgett recalls. “In fact, Lila had an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the nearby Children’s Hospital after birth. She needed emergency surgery for a malrotation of
her intestine when she was only three days old.”
Padgett and Mark attribute the quality care Lila received in her extensive NICU stay as the reason she is able to thrive today. Lila spent several months in the hospital after birth, had multiple surgeries and left with a feeding tube. She then had open heart surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina when she
was six months old.
Once her parents turned the page on the more severe medical challenges, they focused on quality educational and developmental opportunities for Lila. Finding those programs was much harder than finding the medical care Lila needed though. Instead of inclusion and acceptance, Lila’s parents found few in the community who would welcome their child
into their classroom or activities. They found it hard to find others who would see their daughter’s potential.
Today, Lila’s life tells a very different story. Lila’s parents were determined that nothing would limit Lila’s potential to live a full, happy, and productive life. Padgett and Mark began baking and selling Lila’s Sweet Treats to both raise money for Lila’s
education and to teach Lila valuable life skills. The Sweet Treats menu includes roasted pecans, chocolate covered pecans, cookies, trail mix, sour dough bread, sour dough cinnamon swirl bread, and giant muffins – among other goodies. The Sweet Treats also include very fresh eggs from the variety of chickens Lila helps to manage.
Initially, Lila’s job was to write
receipts (“order cards,” as Lila calls them) and deliver the Sweet Treats in person to the quickly growing list of customers. Her charming smile and fetching manners endeared her to her customers. Now, Lila uses her cell phone to add up the sales at the various locations and events where Lila’s Sweet Treats are featured.
Lila also maintains a busy schedule that
includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, and a homeschool education in the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Lila is an animal lover extraordinaire and is especially fond of cats, dogs, and a rescued rooster she named Lucky.
In addition to the Sweet Treats endeavor, Padgett and Mark founded a 501(C)3 organization named Limitless Purpose to support all children with various disabilities.
An artist, entrepreneur, and advocate, Lila has become known throughout South Carolina as “Limitless Lila.” Her artwork has been featured in fashion collections, she participates in
community events and charitable causes, and she has become an ambassador for inclusion and acceptance.
Lila has an interesting connection with National Right to Life. She is related by marriage to Wayne Cockfield, the Vice President for Medical Ethics and the former treasurer. Her mother is Wayne’s sister-in-law’s sister. Wayne knows Lila very well.
“Lila’s story demonstrates that a diagnosis does not determine a person’s worth or potential,” Mr. Cockfield said. “Every child has intrinsic value. No child should be required to pass a ‘values test,’” he said. “Lila reminds us that every child deserves the opportunity to live, learn, contribute, and share their unique gifts with the world. Lisa is a joy to behold and a
blessing not only to our family, but a blessing to all those around her.”
Lila’s family has devoted years to promoting inclusion and helping others understand the abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. Through their nonprofit work and community outreach, they have encouraged families facing prenatal diagnoses and advocated for opportunities for
people with disabilities.
National attention on Lila’s story comes at an important time, as many families who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome still receive overwhelmingly negative information about their child’s future.
Lila’s
life offers a different message — one of hope, possibility, and joy.
When asked what she wants people to know about her, Lila has a simple answer: “I give great hugs and I am limitless.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that every human life has inherent value and that the contributions of people with
disabilities enrich our communities, our schools, and our nation.
For more information about Lila’s story and her family’s efforts to promote inclusion and opportunity for individuals with disabilities, visit LimitlessLila.com.
