Nine years ago businesswoman Han Granger-Gaskin gave birth to her fourth child and hours after his birth she was told that from all indications he had Down syndrome. For her, it changed nothing as her sweet baby son was still who he was and she was ready to nurture him in the same manner that she has mothered her other children.
Five years later attorney-at-law Azeena Baksh gave birth to her first child and she was also given the news that he had Down syndrome. For her, acceptance of his diagnosis was key along with a great support system.
Over the years, both women have ensured that their sons are supported in every way possible, but they do not paint a romantic picture that every day is ‘honky dory’. While some days have been overwhelming and even frustrating, they also found that there is tremendous support in the public system. They have also seen the need for more to be done as it relates to the awareness of the condition and for parents to be pointed in the right direction as they seek to help their children.
