Writing in NPR’s ‘This I Believe’ section, Penn State University English Professor Gregg Rogers explores his reaction to his daughter’s prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Rogers and his wife were overwhelmed by fear and anxiety at the thought of raising a child with a disability, he says, but were transformed when their daughter Genevieve burst into their lives.

I now believe Genevieve is here for everyone. I believe Genevieve is taking over the world, one heart at a time — beginning with mine. I believe that what was once our perceived damnation has now become our unexpected salvation.

… On my right wrist, I wear a simple silver chain with three little beads on it. I used to say the three beads signified the third chromosome that results in trisomy 21, Down syndrome. Now when I look at those beads, they simply remind me that I don’t ever know as much as I think I do, but I’m always capable of more than I think I am.

Rogers and his wife Lucy host a website for other families in their area who have children with Down syndrome.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, commentary, first-person, parkinson's, personal stories, prenatal diagnosis, public attitudes, success stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post