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After Losing My Sister 4 Years Ago, I Decided To Do This Photoshoot
I am one of those people who have been greatly blessed by growing up with a sister who had Down Syndrome. Dina was the best thing that could have ever happened to our family. She taught us what true unconditional love is and how to go through life without worries. She would light up any room that she walked into, and people were always drawn to her sweet yet stubborn personality. When I think back, my mind automatically goes to my childhood memories with her. Good memories with her. My mom and Dina were the absolute best of friends and were completely inseparable, and she and my dad had a bond that couldn’t be broken. People that knew our family and knew Dina always say how Dina more than doubled her life expectancy and lived a wonderful life because of how great my family was with her. My parents are saints. They gave their all to make sure their special needs child lived a life full of happiness.
Ever since I started doing photography, I’ve always had the desire to photograph kids with Down Syndrome. I chose to do this photoshoot not only for my own pleasure but to help raise awareness about Down Syndrome. I wanted to be able to turn my photo ideas into art that would capture the true beauty of those with special needs. Nothing brings me more joy than being around those who have Down Syndrome. Everything about them makes me smile.
I hoped that my photos would be shared and that people would see how blessed these families are. After doing this photoshoot, I was told by one of the mothers that the abortion rate of those who find out that their child may have Down Syndrome is at 92%. That abortion rate is way higher than I ever imagined. That being said, if I can help lower that abortion rate just by sharing my photos, then I succeeded. I want to change minds. I want people to see these children and know that if they have a baby who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, although it may be scary, they will be blessed beyond words.
If you are that person who is going through the emotional roller coaster of just finding out that your child has Down Syndrome, please know that you are about to encounter a love that surpasses all of your expectations.
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I am one of those people who have been greatly blessed by growing up with a sister who had Down Syndrome
My sister Dina was our family’s greatest joy and biggest blessing
Dina passed away 4 years ago due to congestive heart failure which is often common in those with Down Syndrome
She was the best thing that could have ever happened to our family
She taught us what true unconditional love is and how to go through life without worries
Ever since I started doing photography, I’ve always had the desire to photograph kids with Down Syndrome
Nothing brings me more joy then being around those who have Down Syndrome. Everything about them makes me smile
I hoped that my photos would be shared and that people would see how blessed these families are
I chose to do this photo shoot not only for my own pleasure but to help raise awareness about Down Syndrome
I found out that abortion rate of those who find out that their child may have Down Syndrome is at 92%
That being said, if I can help lower that abortion rate just by sharing my photos, then I succeeded
I want to change minds
I want people to see these children and know that if they are having a baby who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, they will be blessed beyond words
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What do you think ?
RandyAllos 9 years ago
Beautiful and happy children, no doubt. But I would think that many couples who decide to abort then try again and have children that do NOT have down syndrome, children just as happy and beautiful that would have never been born had they decided to keep the disabled fetus. So it is really about each couple's choice and opinion about abortion, not about how cute the photos are.
StarrBeam 9 years ago
My thoughts exactly. These photos are lovely, but they don't stay that way, they grow up. Parents die. Who takes care of them once their main care givers are gone? As a parent I would think that they take all those instances into account when making that decision.
Load More Replies...
TanyaLyons 9 years ago
Not all children with DS are like those shown in the media. Yes, i can not imagine my life without my beautiful sister with DS but there are many issues beyond the gorgeous photos and stories often portrayed in the media. How about being their parent and carer still when they reach 30 or 40 years of age still with the behavioral traits of a 2 year old. Then there are the behaviour issues which can be as simple as a hug then a hit over the head, passing you by and pushing you for no reason, as well as other issues that often accompany DS such as Autism. And when their parents who are often their carers for life as fed up, run down yet find no respite or relief because all organisations love supporting parents with DS children but once adulthood arrives the support is limited. I would be focusing on taking photographs of both children and adults with DS along with their carers and then promote more the realism of having a child with DS.
MeiYuan 9 years ago
not everyone is able to care for a child with special needs which is why they have the option of aborting them. It's great if you would be willing to care for a child with downs syndrome but many parents can't care for a special needs or aren't in the financial position to care for one.
AnonJ 9 years ago
I agree, I have a cousin who seems to have down syndrome(he's not even diagnosed!), because of poverty and lack of education on the part of his parents, he was ignored and not cared for properly during his crucial development stage. We have the same age(24) and he can't even do basic things like eating on his own, going to the toilet and he can't even talk. We live in a third world country and adoption is out of the question, our government doesn't have a policy on these things that I know of. I feel sorry for my cousin because he's just "existing", a pet cat or dog is much more manageable in my view. Right now he's being taken care of full time since his 4 younger siblings are grown up but like I've said the crucial stage of development was wasted, not every parent is capable of raising kids with special needs. There's always an exception, the kids in these pictures are the lucky ones.
Load More Replies...
GuillaumeLombard 9 years ago
Really? It s difficult enough to raise children, let alone disabled one. Plus knowing that there is no real accepted place for them in society.grow up!
Load More Replies...
JesslynEdinaIdden 9 years ago
i cried too. im supporting your work! beautiful. i also have down syndrom sister, the best thing in my life. teach me "family is number one"
WendyMelcher 9 years ago
I am a little worried about this message. I have a brother with special needs. I would never wish this on anyone. It's one thing to appreciate the people in your life, and learn and grow from your experiences. But, to expect others to take on that kind of life if they have a choice? My mom had a stroke. After trying for over a year to care for my brother on my own he is now in an assisted living home. This was only after he threw 3 year old tantrums in his 24 year old body. He wrecked my apartment, and damaged a car under his window when he threw a T.V. through it. This type of thing went on for over a year. It wasn't his fault, and I never blamed him for it. I simply couldn't do it anymore. It's not always a "greatest joy and biggest blessing" for every family. It CAN be, but it can also be a really hard road too. Just PLEASE put some CAREFUL thought in the decision. The most honest thing I can say is, money can make ALL the difference! I hope you have the resources! Nice pics though
SarahMorgan 8 years ago
I understand where you are coming from with your comment. I have yet to have children of my own and I am very nervous about doing so, since based on my genetics, I'm likely to have a child with a neurological disorder that I have a mild form of and my sibling has a severe form of. I would not wish that on my child. I have chosen to work with kids with special needs for over a decade and I know that I could handle a kid with a disability more than the average person. However, if I can have children that don't face these challenges, it'd be far better for them in this world. I've had fellow caregivers tell me "a disabled person can have just as full of a life as an abled person!" I agree it's possible to live a full life with a disability, but not as full as if you weren't disabled, and you'll have so many challenges most people don't face. And yes, having money does make it easier on the child and the family.
Load More Replies...
DiegoBelli 9 years ago
enhance the planet first by helping around you, not creating guilt, but love.
IrisDoeven 9 years ago
My brother has down syndrome too, and I can't even imagine how hard it would be to lose him. Amazing post, thank you! :)
KristiSprague 9 years ago
I believe in choice. But, for me, aborting a baby b/c of Down's wouldn't be an option. These children grow into incredible adults. I would be a very proud mom.
MeiYuan 9 years ago
not everyone is able to care for a child with special needs which is why they have the option of aborting them. It's great that you would be willing to care for a child with downs syndrome but many parents can't care for a special needs or aren't in the financial position to care for one.
Load More Replies...
SAGOULD 9 years ago
I thought that statistic was way to high, so I read a couple of articles. That figure was from Europe, not America.
MichelleBissenden 9 years ago
And from 1999 and questionable in the first place.
Load More Replies...
CatherineGillespie 8 years ago
Some families can cope and enjoy a special needs child, and some families know they simply can't. I think that for those families who know they can't, abortion is the most responsible and caring option.
niKolsViden 8 years ago
Beautiful, purely innocent children, what joy the give, Just looking at their pictures brought a big smile to my face and joy in my heart. God Bless!
KateElle 9 years ago
So many abortions. I used to think it was more of a rare thing. Obviously it's not. I wonder what the world would look like if abortions never occurred for these children or any. Maybe those with down syndrome would be more common. I'm sure everyone would be much better off. No life is a waste. Those without have so much to learn from those with and vise versa. God doesn't make accidents. We're all meant to be :) I'm proud of what you're doing this is worth raising awareness over. Keep it up! Also I'm sorry for your loss.
SarahReimer 9 years ago
This gives me chills! As a fellow photog I would love to speak with you at some point about your heart for showing moms to be the beauty they hold within. I've been dreaming of using my gift for a very similar cause - if you would ever like to brainstorm please contact me at chachee76@hotmail.com or creators beauty.zenfolio.com
astone4558 9 years ago
That is just beautiful, those kids look so happy and they look beautiful. God has blesses those kids with you and i think what she is doing is just wonderful:)
MysticalMan 9 years ago
Thank you for blessing us with your wonderful experience and attitude.
SergejDernovich 9 years ago
from Russia with love http://nest.moscow/family/relations/143-inspiration/353-children
MarylouSakosky 9 years ago
I think you are a remarkable person with a big heart and you shine . it shows O:-) <3
Najee'Robinson 9 years ago
I cried in not even gonna lie. This is do heart warming and touching.
RandyAllos 9 years ago
Beautiful and happy children, no doubt. But I would think that many couples who decide to abort then try again and have children that do NOT have down syndrome, children just as happy and beautiful that would have never been born had they decided to keep the disabled fetus. So it is really about each couple's choice and opinion about abortion, not about how cute the photos are.
StarrBeam 9 years ago
My thoughts exactly. These photos are lovely, but they don't stay that way, they grow up. Parents die. Who takes care of them once their main care givers are gone? As a parent I would think that they take all those instances into account when making that decision.
Load More Replies... TanyaLyons 9 years ago
Not all children with DS are like those shown in the media. Yes, i can not imagine my life without my beautiful sister with DS but there are many issues beyond the gorgeous photos and stories often portrayed in the media. How about being their parent and carer still when they reach 30 or 40 years of age still with the behavioral traits of a 2 year old. Then there are the behaviour issues which can be as simple as a hug then a hit over the head, passing you by and pushing you for no reason, as well as other issues that often accompany DS such as Autism. And when their parents who are often their carers for life as fed up, run down yet find no respite or relief because all organisations love supporting parents with DS children but once adulthood arrives the support is limited. I would be focusing on taking photographs of both children and adults with DS along with their carers and then promote more the realism of having a child with DS.
MeiYuan 9 years ago
not everyone is able to care for a child with special needs which is why they have the option of aborting them. It's great if you would be willing to care for a child with downs syndrome but many parents can't care for a special needs or aren't in the financial position to care for one.
AnonJ 9 years ago
I agree, I have a cousin who seems to have down syndrome(he's not even diagnosed!), because of poverty and lack of education on the part of his parents, he was ignored and not cared for properly during his crucial development stage. We have the same age(24) and he can't even do basic things like eating on his own, going to the toilet and he can't even talk. We live in a third world country and adoption is out of the question, our government doesn't have a policy on these things that I know of. I feel sorry for my cousin because he's just "existing", a pet cat or dog is much more manageable in my view. Right now he's being taken care of full time since his 4 younger siblings are grown up but like I've said the crucial stage of development was wasted, not every parent is capable of raising kids with special needs. There's always an exception, the kids in these pictures are the lucky ones.
Load More Replies... GuillaumeLombard 9 years ago
Really? It s difficult enough to raise children, let alone disabled one. Plus knowing that there is no real accepted place for them in society.grow up!
Load More Replies... JesslynEdinaIdden 9 years ago
i cried too. im supporting your work! beautiful. i also have down syndrom sister, the best thing in my life. teach me "family is number one"
WendyMelcher 9 years ago
I am a little worried about this message. I have a brother with special needs. I would never wish this on anyone. It's one thing to appreciate the people in your life, and learn and grow from your experiences. But, to expect others to take on that kind of life if they have a choice? My mom had a stroke. After trying for over a year to care for my brother on my own he is now in an assisted living home. This was only after he threw 3 year old tantrums in his 24 year old body. He wrecked my apartment, and damaged a car under his window when he threw a T.V. through it. This type of thing went on for over a year. It wasn't his fault, and I never blamed him for it. I simply couldn't do it anymore. It's not always a "greatest joy and biggest blessing" for every family. It CAN be, but it can also be a really hard road too. Just PLEASE put some CAREFUL thought in the decision. The most honest thing I can say is, money can make ALL the difference! I hope you have the resources! Nice pics though
SarahMorgan 8 years ago
I understand where you are coming from with your comment. I have yet to have children of my own and I am very nervous about doing so, since based on my genetics, I'm likely to have a child with a neurological disorder that I have a mild form of and my sibling has a severe form of. I would not wish that on my child. I have chosen to work with kids with special needs for over a decade and I know that I could handle a kid with a disability more than the average person. However, if I can have children that don't face these challenges, it'd be far better for them in this world. I've had fellow caregivers tell me "a disabled person can have just as full of a life as an abled person!" I agree it's possible to live a full life with a disability, but not as full as if you weren't disabled, and you'll have so many challenges most people don't face. And yes, having money does make it easier on the child and the family.
Load More Replies... DiegoBelli 9 years ago
enhance the planet first by helping around you, not creating guilt, but love.
IrisDoeven 9 years ago
My brother has down syndrome too, and I can't even imagine how hard it would be to lose him. Amazing post, thank you! :)
KristiSprague 9 years ago
I believe in choice. But, for me, aborting a baby b/c of Down's wouldn't be an option. These children grow into incredible adults. I would be a very proud mom.
MeiYuan 9 years ago
not everyone is able to care for a child with special needs which is why they have the option of aborting them. It's great that you would be willing to care for a child with downs syndrome but many parents can't care for a special needs or aren't in the financial position to care for one.
Load More Replies... SAGOULD 9 years ago
I thought that statistic was way to high, so I read a couple of articles. That figure was from Europe, not America.
MichelleBissenden 9 years ago
And from 1999 and questionable in the first place.
Load More Replies... CatherineGillespie 8 years ago
Some families can cope and enjoy a special needs child, and some families know they simply can't. I think that for those families who know they can't, abortion is the most responsible and caring option.
niKolsViden 8 years ago
Beautiful, purely innocent children, what joy the give, Just looking at their pictures brought a big smile to my face and joy in my heart. God Bless!
KateElle 9 years ago
So many abortions. I used to think it was more of a rare thing. Obviously it's not. I wonder what the world would look like if abortions never occurred for these children or any. Maybe those with down syndrome would be more common. I'm sure everyone would be much better off. No life is a waste. Those without have so much to learn from those with and vise versa. God doesn't make accidents. We're all meant to be :) I'm proud of what you're doing this is worth raising awareness over. Keep it up! Also I'm sorry for your loss.
SarahReimer 9 years ago
This gives me chills! As a fellow photog I would love to speak with you at some point about your heart for showing moms to be the beauty they hold within. I've been dreaming of using my gift for a very similar cause - if you would ever like to brainstorm please contact me at chachee76@hotmail.com or creators beauty.zenfolio.com
astone4558 9 years ago
That is just beautiful, those kids look so happy and they look beautiful. God has blesses those kids with you and i think what she is doing is just wonderful:)
MysticalMan 9 years ago
Thank you for blessing us with your wonderful experience and attitude.
SergejDernovich 9 years ago
from Russia with love http://nest.moscow/family/relations/143-inspiration/353-children
MarylouSakosky 9 years ago
I think you are a remarkable person with a big heart and you shine . it shows O:-) <3
Najee'Robinson 9 years ago
I cried in not even gonna lie. This is do heart warming and touching.
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