Chromosomal disorders are fairly common, and Down syndrome is the most prevalent.
In fact, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in every 700 people have Down syndrome.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, symptoms of Down syndrome include a short attention span, poor judgment, impulsive behavior, slowed learning, and delayed speech— alongside a slew of other various physical characteristics.
Unfortunately, like most visible disabilities, there is still a stigma surrounding those with Down syndrome.
However, one adorable Down syndrome couple is celebrating their 22nd year of wedding bliss, giving their haters and doubters a run for their money!
Maryanne Martin and Tommy Pilling were one of the first Down syndrome couples to get married. The pair had dated for 18 months before Tommy proposed to Maryanne with a vending machine ring.
Maryanne’s sister Lindi Newman recalls the events to the New York Post, saying, “The day Maryanne met Tommy, she came home with the biggest smile on her face. She couldn’t stop talking about him and asked if he could come for dinner.
“They dated for about 18 months and then he approached my mom, Linda, to ask if he could propose […] My mom immediately said yes but wanted them to do it properly so she took him to a jewelry shop to buy a proper ring.”
Although their parents received criticism for the decision, in July of 1994, Maryanne and Tommy were wed in Shoeburyness, Essex, England, at St. Mary’s Church.
Lindi tells the New York Post, “Maryanne had dreamt about a big white wedding since she was a little girl, and that’s exactly what she had. It was a beautiful day.”
Maryanne agrees, adding, “My wedding was the best day of my life.”
It has now been 22 years since the pair said “I do”, and they are still just a smitten as the first day they laid eyes on each other.
The adorable duo has gained popularity since their wedding day so many years ago.
Maryanne’s sister Lindi even created a Facebook page for the couple, called simply “Maryanne and Tommy”, which has garnered over 31,000 followers to date.
People seem to love the twosome, praising their relationship and commitment in comments such as the following:
Lindi says that Maryanne and Tommy are acting as an inspiration for those who have loved ones with Down syndrome.
She tells the New York Post, “People worried about their own children or grandchildren get hope from Maryanne and Tommy’s story. I hope that their children can also fall in love and live happily ever after.”
Most recently, Maryanne and Tommy were reunited after Tommy was forced to undergo eye surgery. If you’re interested in receiving more updates like this one, don’t forget to follow the Maryanne and Tommy Facebook page!
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