So you have just found out you are going to have a child with Down syndrome, now what? Tausha Dingman knows exactly how to answer that question now that she is the mother of a child with the disability. She serves as the president of the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation for Weber, Morgan and Rich counties. .jpg)
"The purpose of our foundation is to offer supports to parents who have just found out they are going to have a child with Down syndrome and share with them real life situations and information on what we have found works or doesn't work for these kids and how to deal with the initial shock. The most important thing is, we let them know is that they are not alone."
Tausha serves on the foundation with other parents who have children with Down syndrome. She says they are trying to recruit more parents to their northern chapter and let them know they are here and available for support. A BBQ is being planned in May and a Buddy Walk will be held this summer. They are also planning to put together educational classes for the families. They hope to contact all families in the three counties, so they can include them in their activities.
"I want parents to know that there are many negative things in the media about kids with Down syndrome but we don't focus on that. I want people to know how precious these little kids are and how much potential they have and how much they do contribute to the society as a whole. They have feelings just like everyone else. They can feel happy, sad, hurt and glad. They can also have bad days and not be so nice. Our nurse in the NICU unit gave my husband and I the best advice ever when Sam was born. She said treat him and discipline him just like you would any other child. We realize his mental level may never be that of somone who doesn't have a disability but he will be able to understand many things. Many adults with Down syndrome work in the community and contribute more than most people realize," said Tausha.
Tausha's journey through living with Down syndrome began the day Sam was born at 35 weeks when she had to have an emergency C-section and Sam was rushed to the NICU. The nurses told Tausha and her husband that Sam was going to be okay, but looked like he had Down syndrome.
"My parents walked in at that moment and both my husband and I sobbed. I kept saying it's not fair, it's not fair, why me? The first few days were a blur. The ups and downs, the fears, the worry, the sadness and so many emotions. But when I was able to go and see my son for the first time, I felt so much peace and so much love for him and I was humbled that I was the mother of such a special spirit. After that moment, I was okay."
Tausha says having Sam has given her and her family a heightened awareness to those around them who struggle with any kind of disability. "We have cultivated a new family within the Down syndrome community." To find out more about the events in northern Utah contact Tausha at tbdingman@comcast.net. Support groups and events are available throughout the state through the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation.
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