TODAY WE ARE SUPPORTING #JEANS4GENES IN HONOR OF OUR SWEET FRIEND, JACKSON!
HERE IS HIS MOM’S STORY:
Hello! My name is Natalie Palin, and our four-year-old son Jackson was born with Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down syndrome. We have been so lucky to receive therapy at Solaris now for over a year!
Minutes after Jackson was born and before I had even had a chance to hold him, a doctor turned to us and said, “I hope I am wrong, but your son is exhibiting several characteristics of Trisomy 21.”
Since we had had a negative prenatal test, to say we were shocked would be an understatement. Thankfully, I was quickly connected to an organization named Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN), and it has made all the difference on our journey. The short video linked below explains more about DSDN and the important work it strives to accomplish.
No parent should be left to feel as alone and scared as we felt after the doctor’s poor choice of words during Jackson’s diagnosis. Today Jackson is healthy, happy, and thriving. The extra copy of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome does make some things more difficult for him, but love, laughter, and happiness are not on that list. Our mission as parents is to continue to show the world how Jackson is more alike his typical peers than different.
Thank you for considering to participate in our Jeans4Genes campaign. Your support for Jackson and his peers means so much!
Natalie S. PalinRockin’ Mom since 2014 (because Jackson rocks his extra chromosome)
To support DSDN and families like the Palin’s please donate here.
Here is the video link to learn more about DSDN.