He hopes to raise awareness by sharing his story so that people stop judging people with Down Syndrome.
Parents act as a source of strength and courage. For Sader Issa, a dentistry student from Syria, his parents, including his father with Down Syndrome, were his pillar.
In a bid to raise awareness about the condition, Sader shared his heartwarming story about being raised by his wonderful dad and his story sheds light on the life of those with Down Syndrome.
“Many women, having learned that their child will have Down syndrome, believe that this is the worst life scenario, and decide on an abortion. I am happy that my grandmother had a different opinion. Otherwise, I would not have been born,” said Issa, according to Dental Reach.
Speaking to the Syrian Society for Social Development about his loving father, Sader said, "My father has Down Syndrome. He was a father, a husband, a family leader for 21 years. This is a challenge for many people and many people cannot do this. But for my father, it was easy. A child who grows up in the lap of a person with Down Syndrome will have all the love and tenderness that anyone can offer. This will lead up to a person who has an emotional and social balance and is able to achieve anything he wants. For me, if I could choose who my father is, I wouldn't think of someone else and I'm proud of him the same way he is proud of me."
Sader went on to reveal that his father always did everything in his power to make sure he had a very normal life. "During my studies, he was the biggest supporter economically, psychologically, and in all respects," he said. The proud son added that despite individuals with Down Syndrome being "perceived by the community as a vulnerable person or a person who is dependent on the community," his father had worked hard "to do everything to secure everything" he needed as a kid.
In fact, his father's dedication is what pushed him to do all he could "to be the best person for the sake of this person who worked hard" for him as he wanted Jad to be proud of the man he'd raised. Speaking of his parents' marriage, Sader said that "their relationship with each other is a natural relationship between any possible couple. They may disagree sometimes or not. They're having a life full of love, simplicity, and humility in all respects."
Jad is incredibly proud of Sader and all that he's achieved, something he makes sure his son knows. "One of the things I'm proud of is when he introduces me to a new person for the first time and he says, 'My son is a doctor.' You can see the pride and joy in his eyes. It's like he's saying, 'I have Down Syndrome, but I raised my son and did everything to help him become a doctor who treats people. I'm proud of him...'" said Sader.
This story goes to show that everyone is capable of living a fulfilling life with dignity provided there is acceptance in society. Parents with Down Syndrome or any neurodivergence are parents like anyone else wishing the best for their children.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS6fIqPfSyQ
https://dentalreach.today/dental-news/i-was-raised-by-a-father-with-down-syndrome/
Cover Image Source: YouTube | Syrian Society for Social Development
