Theo Wargo/WireImage for Candie'sBristol Palin's announcement yesterday that she's pregnant with her second child shocked many, but one of the biggest organizations linked to the 24-year-old is rushing to her defense.
The Candie's Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to raise awareness about teen parenthood across the United States, released the following statement in the wake of the baby news.
"In 2011, when she was just 19, Bristol Palin was enormously helpful to The Candie's Foundation in our mission to educate teenagers about the devastating consequences of teen pregnancy."
The organization continued, "Her courage, while still a teen herself, to admit her mistakes so publicly in an effort to help others was remarkably brave. Today, at 24, we can only offer our support to Bristol and her family and respect her request for privacy."
As of now, none of Bristol's family members—nor the father of the baby, who has yet to be named—have spoken about the pregnancy.
Yesterday, on her blog, the Dancing With the Stars alum wrote, "I wanted you guys to be the first to know that I am pregnant. Honestly, I've been trying my hardest to keep my chin up on this one."
Sarah Palin's daughter added, "At the end of the day there's nothing I can't do with God by my side, and I know I am fully capable of handling anything that is put in front of me with dignity and grace…I know this has been, and will be, a huge disappointment to my family, to my close friends, and to many of you," she wrote in her blog post. "But please respect Tripp's and my privacy during this time. I do not want any lectures and I do not want any sympathy."
The expectant star concluded her lengthy post to fans with, "My little family always has, and always will come first. Tripp, this new baby, and I will all be fine, because God is merciful."