Born with a condition that makes life more difficult than usual, Chanel Torres works daily to turn her personal tragedy into triumph for others.

She was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome happens when a mother drinks while pregnant. It doesn't matter the age of the mother, you are still causing damage to the unborn child," the 22-year-old explains.

She was born eight weeks premature and then had to battle for life.

She was given up for adoption at three weeks.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol it can pass across the placenta to the fetus and cause problems in speech, movement and social skills.

"I started researching this and one of my high school teachers asked me to give a five-minute presentation on it," said Chanel.

She now runs a website and speaks often on the Syndrome.

Her message: It is 100% preventable.

She recently returned from Colorado where she won the national "Yes! I can!" Award.

"I do it for the unborn. I will never do it for the awards. If I can save one child from dealing with what I deal with everyday, then I have done what I'm supposed to do."

To learn more about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome visit Chanel's website and the National Institutes of Health's website