Episode 1 of the Spread the Love Podcast features Lisi, the mother of a young boy named Leo. Leo was born in 2017 and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome prenatally. Similar to about half of the children diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Leo has a congenital heart effect that can only be partially treated through surgery. He was barely 4 months old when he had his first open heart surgery.
Lisi was initially worried that by bringing home Leo, her 2-year-old daughter may feel left out with all of the time dedicated to taking care of Leo. However, they were like "two magnets” that have grown incredibly close. Having Leo as a younger brother helped Lisi's daughter become a better person, as she learned from an early age to accept the beauty in everyone's uniqueness. To make matters better, Lisi's husband is experienced with children with Down syndrome. He knew that it was not a sad diagnosis; there are many possibilities of joy and life for people with Down Syndrome.
Although pity was the initial feeling that ran through Lisi and her family, she realized with time that there was nothing to feel pity for. There are so many blessings and possibilities with children with Down Syndrome. The pity often stems from the stigma around special needs, which is the result of lack of education.
Lisi says that although the world is becoming more accepting, there is definitely a need for more inclusion, especially for children with Down Syndrome. Having the right resources and better education is a great way to start. Growing up, Lisi did not have much exposure to the special needs community, and this is a problem many Americans face. Teaching children about different people, cultures, and backgrounds helps them embrace the beauty and uniqueness in the world.
Social media has become an immensely helpful tool for Lisi and other parents, where they are able to form a supporting community together. Lisi has grown to become more empathetic for other families and their children. By sharing our stories, we all have the capacity to become more empathetic, and better yet, gain the motivation to spread kindness and positivity.
Lisi's Instagram: @ourextraluckyworld
Lisi's Blog: https://ourextraluckyworld.wixsite.com/blog
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F3YV1GyvoMUzC0o9hvbIz
Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzsiXgOBFV8&feature=youtu.be
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