Shirley Kingston, ON Canada1999

Our story stared when I was only 20 weeks pregnant. The doctors told me that the results from an ultra sound test had suspected that there was more amniotic fluid and than normal and that they thought they saw an ecogenic bowel. Both of these conditions led the doctors to believe that I was caring a downs child or a child inflicted with cystic fibrosis. They asked whether we were interested in having an amniocentesis. Because we knew that we would not abort the pregnancy we decided not to forgo the other tests available and that we would wait until he was born to know the out come. We did have subsequent ultrasounds with a specialist to try to determine whether the soft signs of down Syndrome were present. The doctor was confident in each test that everything was fine.Well, he was right! Jacob was born on Nov 20,97 at 8lbs and full term, with Down Syndrome. He is very healthy and at 14 months now, is cruising and vocalizing up a storm. We are so happy that we waited to find out the outcome of his health and feel that by waiting and not being too concerned about it he has had a great start.I hope this story may help women who are in the decision making process. I would not trade Jacob for any other child if I could.

Sherry Timberlea, NS Canada 1998

My story began on December 26th, 1989. Our third child who was expected around the 15th of January arrived. Kendra lynn weighted in at 6lbs,1oz. It had been a quick but traumatic birth. My placenta separated and she very nearly died during birth. It was only about 10 minutes after she was born that the doctor told us that he suspected she had Down Syndrome. My whole world fell into pieces with those words. Knowing what I now know, I should have been estatic. She had many problems when she was young but the last few years have been great. She has just turned 9,(three days ago) and she is one of the sweetest children I know. She is so accepting to people and loves life. With her birth, it has opened a whole new outlook on how I myself view the world. I worked at a university when Kendra was born, a rather stuffy, boring environment. When she was 2 I resigned my position and have taken on a whole new career. I now work in small option homes for the developmentally disabled and also work with 4 other children with various disabilities doing respite in my home. Kendra has taught me much about life, during her short years on this earth. I would like to add that at times things have been pretty rocky in our household, school had become a major source of anxiety but eventually I GOT IT in order. She has the most wonderful teacher and educational program assistant this year and she has come leaps and bounds. If anyone is having difficulties with school, send me a email. I'll give you the tips which I found worked really well. Kendra is fully integrated in a regular classroom. She is fully accepted by the other children. The last day before xmas break the teacher presented to me a book that the class had made about Kendra. Its beautiful, made me shed some tears. Please email me at Larade@msn.com. We can talk more. Take care and God Bless you all.