The fact that Sader Issa’s dad, Jad Issa, has Down syndrome just “fades to the background.”
To Sader, he’s just Dad.
Not a man with a condition known as Down syndrome. And a great dad at that!
“We wish all people were able to accept that being different is not something to be ashamed of. People with Down Syndrome are different but they have feelings, aspirations, a mind of their own, and they are capable of living a normal life when there is social acceptance and a society that is supportive,” Sader told Bored Panda.
Jad provided for his family by working in a wheat factory.
He always showed his son love and affection and made sure that Sader, who is a dentist, attended to his education.
Not only did he show love to his family, but he was also known in his community for his kindness and for expressing respect and admiration for others.
“I’m proud of my father. Throughout my life, he has been the greatest support for me when I needed it,” Sader told the Syrian Society for Social Development.
Some say the fact that Sader was born at all is a miracle.
This is because most men with Down syndrome can’t have children.
“When people search Google they find that men with Down’s syndrome (DS) are infertile so they get confused when they hear about us, Sader said.
“I know six more cases of fathers with DS and the studies that show the fertility of men with DS are very few so we cannot say these men are fertile that easily.”
Some women with the condition are able to conceive.
However, they do have more difficulty getting pregnant than a woman without Down syndrome. Sader’s mother, however, does not have Down syndrome.
“One of the concerns people have is how can a woman who doesn’t have Down’s syndrome marry a man with DS?” said told Metro. “I believe if the two partners were on the same page then why not get married? They are intellectually suitable for each other; very simple but loving and caring people.”
Sader says he hopes his story will let people know that it is possible for those with Down syndrome to have a family and fulfilling life.
“We really appreciate hundreds of parents who have reached out to me and told me that we gave them hope for a better future for their kids,”he added.
Down syndrome occurs when a person has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
Physical traits of Down syndrome can include low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm.
“It’s possible to see when his eyes are filled with joy and satisfaction as if to express: yes, I have Down syndrome, but I raised this man and did everything in my power to make him become a doctor and help others,” Sader said.
Learn more about Sader and his relationship with his father in the video below.
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