Clarendon, Jamaica
I noticed that she did not cry as the other children in the nursery did. I had a problem nursing her at first and she was very limp. My child was diagnosed with down syndrome at birth. At first I was unaware of the condition. The only visible features at the time as I was told by the pediatrician was the low muscle tone, the protruding tongue and facial features.
The doctors were not even too sure that it was really down syndrome. We were told that most children born with this condition have heart problem and so we had to go to a pediatric cardiologist. That was when our worst fear was realized as our precious daughter had a congenital heart disease known as AVSD (Atrio Ventricular Septal Defect). This means that she had a hole that opens in the four chambers of the heart and just one tube to transport the blood to and from the heart and lungs.
Living in Jamaica made it difficult for us in that the facilities was very limited to afford her the surgery we needed. The surgery had to be done quickly in that blood pressure was building up in the lungs. The only place that was willing to do this risky surgery was the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. So we got some help along with a loan from the bank to come up with $20000US (1.3 Million Jamaica dollars) to do the surgery.
I began to do a lot of research on the internet and enquire from other people to find out about this condition. It was really a challenge but we prayed and God was on our side. the surgery was done on January 26, 2006 when she was 7 months. Jada was able to walk before was 2 years old. even though her speech is delayed a bit she is able to say some words plainly and put even three to five words together.
She attends a regular preschool and is doing fairly well. Coping with her is a real challenge but we get a lot of support from friends and family. I can tell you though that with early intervention and stimulation your child with down's syndrome can go very far. I am a primary teacher and this has helped me to work with my child. She is also registered with the Jamaica Down's syndrome Foundation. I hope my story will inspire someone. God bless!
Living in Jamaica made it difficult for us in that the facilities was very limited to afford her the surgery we needed. The surgery had to be done quickly in that blood pressure was building up in the lungs. The only place that was willing to do this risky surgery was the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. So we got some help along with a loan from the bank to come up with $20000US (1.3 Million Jamaica dollars) to do the surgery.
I began to do a lot of research on the internet and enquire from other people to find out about this condition. It was really a challenge but we prayed and God was on our side. the surgery was done on January 26, 2006 when she was 7 months. Jada was able to walk before was 2 years old. even though her speech is delayed a bit she is able to say some words plainly and put even three to five words together.
She attends a regular preschool and is doing fairly well. Coping with her is a real challenge but we get a lot of support from friends and family. I can tell you though that with early intervention and stimulation your child with down's syndrome can go very far. I am a primary teacher and this has helped me to work with my child. She is also registered with the Jamaica Down's syndrome Foundation. I hope my story will inspire someone. God bless!
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