Approximately 1,300,000 babies are born around the world each year. And 1 in 700 of those children are born with Down Syndrome, making the global rate about 0.15%.
Most people are born with a total of 46 chromosomes, but people with down syndrome grow an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. It causes some physical and mental disorders, which vary greatly from person to person.
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No matter what a child’s health condition is, they are beautiful and deserve all the love and affection in the world.
But unfortunately, some parents are overwhelmed by the idea of raising a child with special needs, and end up giving their baby up for adoption.
It’s shocking to the rest of us who could never imagine doing such a thing, but it’s a heartbreaking reality.
Down Syndrome in particular still has a very negative connotation, despite all the research and awareness campaigns. Because it’s a genetic disorder which causes the individual to have an extra chromosome, it shows physically and is easily identifiable.
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When this Russian couple had their first child, they were surprised to find he was born with Down Syndrome less than 2 minutes after his birth.
The father, Evgeny Anisimov, was ready to raise his little boy and put in the extra care no matter what.
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But his wife didn’t handle the news as well.
The doctor had to send for some tests before he could be 100% sure, so the new parents waited with baited breath to find out the results.
“I didn’t know what to do when I learned of the hypothesis that my son had Down Syndrome,” Evgeny told Bored Panda. “I thought my task now was to turn off emotions, ignite thoughts, support my wife because I believed it would be more difficult for her.”
When the test results confirmed their baby Misha was in fact born with Down Syndrome, Evgeny’s wife suggested they put the child up for adoption or into foster care.
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But 33-year-old Evgeny is a committed parent and refused to give up his child. He hoped his wife would reconsider but she never did. So they separated soon after their baby’s birth.
He’s now raising his son all on his own, and is taking the opportunity to raise awareness for the condition.
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“The child is special, his life and future destiny are already very significant.”
In fact, he started researching Down Syndrome the very same day.
And now, he has amassed more than 30,000 followers on Instagram. People who are inspired by the support he’s giving to his child and how he’s using this opportunity as a learning experience for the rest of the world.
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But Evengy doesn’t see himself as a hero.
“When a child is born, he asks the outside world: ‘Am I needed here or not?’ And I answer with certainty: ‘Son, you are needed!’ Being with him, even alone, is a normal act for a normal man. I emphasize—I am a normal man, not some kind of hero.”
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His experience has shown him that Down Syndrome is not an impossible obstacle. And all the adorable photos of Misha thriving are evidence of that!
The two seem very happy together, and there’s no doubt Misha is getting the best upbringing any child could hope for.
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“I try to communicate with those who are within reach, I correspond with those who are far away. I hope that those who have difficulties now, as it was for us, read about us. Have no fear! Everything will be fine!”
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One of the best uses of social media is for stories like this to be shared. Ending the stigma around Down Syndrome comes with shared knowledge and awareness.
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What an amazing father! These two are taking the world by storm.
Naomi Lai is a contributor at SBLY Media.
