More than 20 years ago, Patti White of California received news that was both delighted and troubled her. Her daughter, Lisa, announced that she was pregnant. Lisa had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, a genetic chromosomal disorder that causes varying degrees of physical and intellectual disabilities. What many people forget, however, is that many people with Down syndrome are able to take care of themselves, get jobs, and lead independent lives.
The odds of two people with Down syndrome having a child are lower than other couples because men with Down syndrome rarely father children. When Patti White learned of the birth of her grandson, she was very surprised, but fully supported her daughter Lisa and her decision to keep the baby. At 29, Lisa had her own apartment and worked full time at a local Goodwill. She had been living on her own for 11 years.
Lisa also began a relationship with a man who had Down syndrome. They dated but lived in separate homes. Patty felt that her daughter was in a healthy, mature relationship, and they discussed topics such as birth control and safe personal relationships.
Today, Lisa’s son Nick is 24, a handsome young man raised by a mother and grandmother who are incredibly proud of him. Having children is a risk for anyone, but Lisa was especially vulnerable, in large part because of the opinions of those around her about her decision to become a mother. Some of Lisa’s friends even stopped communicating with her because their parents were afraid that Lisa’s example would influence their daughters to want to have children, too.
This mother and son team have spent decades proving to the world the value of people with Down syndrome.
