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Ellie Snow of Ellie's Gift
A Utah mom is speaking out for Down Syndrome after reading an article in the Deseret News calling Down Syndrome a modern day death sentence. Megan Snow says new technology can diagnose Down Syndrome in utero, giving parents who receive the diagnosis, the option to abort the fetus.
"I had heard about this before but never did anything about it. Now I feel the need to inform as many people as I can and create pamphlets for every OB office in the state of Utah that there is another option, giving birth and raising a child with Down Sydrome," said Snow who has created blog named after her daughter called Ellie's Gift.
Snow says before she became a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, she thought parents of children with the disability painted a pretty picture just to make themselves feel better. "I won't lie, the diagnosis is scary at first, then you get over it. It is hard all the time but it is the greatest gift I have ever received. My blog is to share with others the joy of raising one of these sweet children."
Snow wants people just receiving the diagnosis to hear the voices of other parents who raise children with Down Syndrome. "I want to share stories of others and encourage parents to keep their baby rather than choose abortion. I hope people will read the stories and know that it is an unmarked path that they are heading down, but one well worth the journey. These kids truly show the meaning of true love."
Snow wants other parents to share stories with her by submitting them to megardoodle@yahoo.com. She plans to raise funds and get sponsors to help develop the pamphets that she would like to see in doctor's offices across the state and eventually the nation. "I think if we are willing to address abortion, we should also offer the other option as well, which is having the child and raising a child that loves without condition."
Comments
Kim,
Love this story!! I will never forget being in the Dr. office and him telling me that Andrew could possibly have down syndrome. I was scared but wanted to have the amneo done so that I would know for sure and prepare myself. I will never forget the woman asking questions and then said if this child has down syndrome will you terminate. I was shocked! I was there only to find out so that I could read and study up on it so that I would be prepared when Andrew was born. My Fathers response was, "kids with downsyndrome are a lot of work" kinda like, maybe you should terminate. I thought how rude, these children are truly a gift, and I would have gladly raised a child with down syndrome.
My daughter Sarah was born in 2008 with Down syndrome, nevertheless we would have never "terminated" if we knew for sure that she was. After my delivery feeling lost and in shock about my daughters diagnosis and the fact she was being lifeflighted on life support to Primary Childrens, A kind nurse came and talked to me for almost an hour. She expressed aow she wanted a DS baby and thought for sure her last one would be. I was amazed that someone actually wanted a special needs kid! Now I know why and I think that it is important to put in these pamhplets that are being put together that people are aware that even Down syndrome babies are sought after for adoption! In some places there are waiting lists!! Life is precious in any form!
The only sad thing about having a down's baby is the dr. that has to look you in the eye and tell you, "you have a down's baby".
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