Meet Tiny Light Matthew.
This active four year old loves playing ball and hockey with his big brother,
spending time at the park, and playing with his friends at Toddler Playtime and
gymnastics. He also enjoys tidying up and watching Mickey Mouse and Bear in the
Big Blue House.
When she was 17 weeks
pregnant, Melodie was told her son had Down syndrome. Her
initial devastation quickly turned to a need for information and she began
researching the disorder. Several weeks later, doctors discovered Matthew also
had an AVSD (atrioventricular septal defect), a common heart defect that would
require an open heart surgery within his first six months of life. Though the
surgery was a success, it was definitely the hardest and scariest part of the family's journey so far.
Matthew’s surgery had a significant
impact on his development. He just started walking last November and is
non-verbal. He can use sign language, but sometimes get frustrated when people
don’t know what he wants right away. Despite his challenges, he has
demonstrated immense strength and determination.
Matthew has changed
his family’s life for the better. His brother and sister have taken sign language
classes and have become more involved with other special needs children. His
parents have met some incredible people, especially Matthew’s therapists and
other parents of special needs children. They work hard to surround Matthew
with people who see his potential and will support him, regardless of his
disability. They know that his future holds many amazing opportunities. “There
is a special light around my little man and I know he is destined to do
something unique and special with his wonderful life!”
Story by Emily
Harrison
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