October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The most heart wrenching statistic when it comes to babies with Down Syndrome is the abortion rate. About 92% of pregnancies in Europe with a diagnosis of Down syndrome are terminated. In the United States, termination rates are around 67%, but this varies significantly depending upon the population evaluated.
The perception of what it will be like to raise a child with Down Syndrome has to be changed!!!
I wish someone would have walked in my room with balloons and confetti the day she was born and said, “Congrats on the birth of an amazing little girl!!” She will take you to places you have never dreamed, introduce you to people you never would have met, and teach you things only few get to learn!!
My girl is only 5 years old and I stand in amazement at the things she has accomplished and the lives she has touched along the way!!
Anyone who knows us knows that we have been blessed to be a part of the awesome organization Ainsley’s Angels. Karsyn participates in races all over!! If you have a child with a disability, I urge you to contact them!! They have added so many blessings to our life!!
This last weekend was the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk. Karsyn’s Grandmother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and thanks to Ainsley’s Angels she was able to participate alongside of us! This race was close to our hearts.
As we were walking up to the race, the Principal from Karsyn’s school came over to speak to her!! We are blessed to be part of a school where they not only know her name but truly care about her! I don’t take that for granted.
A few minutes later someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Karsyn’s first PT. She started seeing Karsyn when she was 3 months old, but we haven’t seen her in years. I was so touched that she went out of her way to come say Hello to Karsyn.
While we were waiting to start the race another person came over and put her arm around me. I turned to see a young St. Louis Saints Cheerleader! She came over to say Hello to Karsyn. She is the daughter of Karsyn’s first Speech Therapist.
I left that race with a renewed awareness of how awesome it is to have a daughter with Down Syndrome.
Yes, they told me that Karsyn would be delayed and would need extra help in certain areas. She would need OT, PT and speech. She would be part of a Special Education program at her school. She would be part of “Special” organizations that would cater to her needs.
As a new Mom that is all pretty depressing!!
I wish they would have told me that because she will need these things, God is about to bless your life in an AMAZING way.
God will send Karsyn the very best therapists!! Not only will they be exactly who Karsyn needs but they will also be exactly who you need!!
Karsyn will need a Special Education teacher to help her learn but don’t worry that teacher will love her more than you ever thought possible and she will be there for you even on your craziest days!!
Karsyn will be a part of some “special” organizations, but this will be the greatest journey of your life!! You will meet strangers who will become like family! You will travel to places you never would have gone, and have the privilege of meeting some incredible people!!
There is no need to be depressed!!!
Down Syndrome is the coolest, most exciting journey you have ever been on!
That little girl is going to change everything about you. She will teach you to never give up, to try new things, to love people for who they are, to never settle for less than the best, to keep a positive outlook….things could always be worse, to celebrate every accomplishment along the way whether big or small. You were born to change lives-don’t ever waste that! It’s ok to fail but always keep trying!!
I really don’t have the time or space to write everything that she has taught me!!
Did I mention she is only 5??
If you are a new mom and you have been blessed with this same amazing gift! Embrace it!! Don’t you dare have a negative outlook on the future for you and your sweet baby!! Love that baby with every fiber that’s in you!
He or She is the single greatest gift you will ever receive!!
Run with Me 