Navigating the medical world can be tricky. First time parents, second time parents or even third time parents have questions. You never know what challenges your child is going to face, whether they are a "typical" child or in my son Gage's case, a child with Down syndrome. Having the DS Clinic at Children's Hospital is a dream come true for many families...and will become one for many more. Certainly the medical profession has come a long way in the last 20 years when it comes to diagnosing and treating the host of medical complications associated with DS, but not every pediatrician has the background experience necessary to treat a child with Down syndrome. This is not to say that every child with DS will have complicated medical conditions...only that they are more likely to have them and should participate in the proper medical screenings. This clinic is enabling every parent that has a child with Down syndrome the opportunity to get all their questions answered. Not only about the medical concerns they may have but also about their child's development, community resources and emotional support. For my family, this clinic has not only answered our many questions but introduced us to lifelong friends.

Gage's struggles during his first few months were definitely difficult. But we came through it with the support and love of our new found family. You'll never meet a stronger, more courageous or loving group of people than those who have the extreme pleasure of having a child or loved one with Down syndrome. Today, Gage is a healthy and vibrant one year old little boy who adores his Curious George stuffed animal and kisses from his big brother. I couldn't imagine our lives without him and I cherish every single toothy grin and sloppy kiss I get! It is because of our love and adoration for him that we decided to have another baby. Many people have subtly questioned about the reasoning behind our getting pregnant again. I think they are confused...maybe even shocked that we would "take that risk again". And to those people, I say that having Gage has shown his father and I that we have so much love to give. Gage loves unconditionally; he's never cranky or irritated with us, and lights up when we enter the room. Why would any parent not want to experience that with their children? Every pregnancy carries with it some degree of risk - why should I worry about having another child with Down syndrome when I so clearly adore the one I already have. My final thought is this - Every child is precious. Each and every person deserves the opportunity to go as far as they can dream and explore new opportunities. Society's views are changing everyday and we are doing a remarkable thing by showing them how great our kids are. Imagine how far we'll have come in another 20 years!

Written by: Mary Neesham

Dated: February 21, 2008