Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal disorders in humans.
Each year, about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, which is about 1 in every 700 babies born. It is primarily caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in every cell which leads to physical and mental developmental delays and disabilities.
Kids with Down syndrome are often called sunny children because they are very kind and affectionate. They have so much kindness and love inside of them that it’s easy to bond and play with them. However, there are a number of parents who abandon their children due to the fear of the unknown.
One dad faced the news of his newborn son with down syndrome and he is on a mission to educate people about it.
Having a newborn baby is one of the most exciting and happiest moments one can have. Babies are a blessing and each family shares the exciting moment of welcoming a newborn into the family. Children born with Down syndrome shouldn’t be looked down upon.
They equally deserve to be loved and cared for. Moreover, if people are educated about the condition, the less prejudice they will have towards Down Syndrome. This Russian dad is making waves on the Internet to teach everyone of the condition and contribute to an open and loving environment for people with Down syndrome.
Evgeny Anisimov is a 33-year-old single father who raises his son, Misha, on his own after his wife left them.
Evgeny was like any other father who was excited about the birth of his son. However, he and his wife’s happiness lasted 1 minute and 39 seconds.
The doctor announced to them that, “I fear that your baby has Down Syndrome”
Based on an interview with Bored Panda, Evgeny shared his experience after hearing about the news.
“I didn’t know what to do when I learned of the hypothesis that my son had Down Syndrome. I thought my task now was to turn off emotions, ignite thoughts, support my wife because I believed it would be more difficult for her. The results of the analysis we were promised in a few days, and until then, I decided not to say anything to her,” Evgeny recalled.
Eventually, Evgeny realized that his son, Misha, deserves to be loved and cared for. By this time, his wife left them because she couldn’t handle raising a baby with Down syndrome. His wife may have abandoned them, but he will not abandon his son.
“I remember that upon learning that my son has Down Syndrome, I left the hospital and cried, but not for long. Later, I was a little embarrassed by these tears. In my life, after all, nothing had changed, in general. I was still with two arms, with two legs, my professional knowledge had gone nowhere.”
“My determination, activity, curiosity, and so on—everything was with me. Everything happened as I planned, my son was born. But the child is special, his life and future destiny are already very significant. And I’m roaring here! This is some kind of selfishness! Is it not fair? No, it is my responsibility. You wanted a child, so you took responsibility for it.”
Of course, Evgeny tried to talk to his wife since their relationship was strong and in good standing. He asked her that they can overcome the situation together. Unfortunately, his wife chose to leave.
“My wife and I had always had a good and trusting relationship. There were different periods, difficulties, lack of money, separation. I am a kind type, I’m used to giving in to everything, adjusting. Friends even ironically called me ‘dominated.’”
“But in this case, I was even ready for a conflict, I tried to convince her that we could overcome this situation. And the conflict separated us. Now I understand that she was just scared at the time, she started to act according to the wrong scenario, and by then, the rubicon was already crossed and it was too late to retreat from the scenario.”
From then on, Evgeny started his life as a single father to a happy and sunny boy. He researched about the condition and learned that kids who have it are often sunny and friendly.
He did everything for Misha such as bathing, cooking, playing, and tucking him at night.
He even enrolled Misha in various activities to help the child with his mental and physical development. These activities are expensive, but Evgeny is thankful for the support from the people around them.
“This has changed my life. I had a good job in Moscow and this was a big turning point in my career, but I couldn’t leave my son. He needed love and warmth. I am an ordinary worker now, but I have a normal salary in my city. I lost my wife, but I am happy with the changes. My son is a very good and open kid like every other kid of his age, he loves me and it shows.”
Evgeny is on a mission to educate people about Down syndrome. He wants to show his support to parents with a child of this condition. May his actions remove the prejudice and negativity towards special people like Misha.
“I want all the articles about Mishka and me that are being published now to convey that idea to society and instill it. And I also want to support, inspire with my example those people who are or will be in the same situation as me.”
“I try to communicate with those who are within reach, I correspond with those who are far away. I hope that those who have difficulties now, as it was for us, read about us. Have no fear! Everything will be fine!”
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