Trisomy 18

The majority of the population probably has never heard of Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), until former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum began his bid as a GOP presidential candidate. His daughter Bella suffers from the genetic disorder which is caused by the presence of an extra 18th chromosome. Most babies born with the disease don't live past their first birthday since it may cause kidney failures, eating and breathing difficulties, heart defeats and other abnormalities, but miraculously, Santorum's daughter has managed to reach the age of three.

Santorum has been able to use Trisomy 18 to his advantage in the campaign, including creating a political ad that shows him with his daughter as he talks about her struggles and how much he loves her. Her name alone gives him a huge boost in the public's opinion of him since it casts him as a man committed to family.

However, the disease appears to have sidelined Santorum just days leading up to the Florida primary. On Saturday, he put his campaign on hold and cancelled planned events on Sunday after his daughter Bella fell ill. His spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement, "Rick and his wife Karen are admitting their daughter Bella to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia this evening. Rick intends to return to Florida and resume the campaign schedule as soon as is possible.”

Although it may seem detrimental to Santorum that he's missing key campaign opportunities, the former senator may actually still benefit from his personal family problems. No matter what side you are on when it comes to Santorum's politics, anyone with a heart has to feel for the guy and his family. A sick child is one thing, but a sick child who must fight every day for a life that will never get better will tug at the heartsrings of even the iciest voters.