I came across this incredible story this evening. The woman pictured at the left is an 80 year old woman, Alison Durham, who happens to have Down syndrome. I will copy and paste the news story below, but for me it is a story of hope.
For those of you who aren't aware, people with Down syndrome often live much shorter lives than people in the "typical" population. Oftentimes this is simply because of health issues that are found in a larger majority of individuals with DS, such as a variety of heart problems. My son, Nathan (12), was born with a complicated heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. He has endured surgeries and multiple tests over the years to keep him healthy, and with God's Grace along with some very talented surgeons, he is thriving. My daughter, Alyssa (5), was also born with a heart anomaly called a PDA. Fortunately, hers closed on it's own and she's doing very well! When I adopted my two little stinkers with DS I knew that the possibility that they would live a shortened life period was going to be a difficult issue for me as a parent.
There was a young man who had Down syndrome and was a member of our church when I was a child. He lived well into middle age (40+) and was quite happy and engaging. He became an Eagle Scout while I was in high school. I was always very fond of him for persevering in a world that wasn't very accepting of him, or his disability. I'd love to see my Nathan and Allie live long and happy lives as well. Ms. Dunham is living proof that we've come a long way! (Story to follow)
Alison's birthday marks major milestone
CHRIS WALKER
18 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
FORMER Tenterfield resident Alison Durham celebrated her 80th birthday on Thursday, and is believed to be the oldest living person with down syndrome in Australia.
Ms Durham grew up in Tenterfield and has outlived all her siblings. She moved from Tenterfield to Roseneath Nursing Home in Glen Innes early in 1976.
“She has been here for 34 years this year, and is a quiet lady, very gentle and very kind,” said Roseneath’s Recreation and Activities Officer Jennifer Rich.
“She has a set routine every day with each day’s activities.”
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that leads to delays in physical and intellectual development, and occurs in about one in every 800 live births.
When Ms Durham was born in 1930, the average life span for a person suffering down syndrome was just nine years, putting into perspective the 80-year milestone.
Today, the average life expectancy for those suffering with down syndrome has improved to the late 50s, but that remains more than 20 years less than the average life expectancy for the typical person.
It is possible Ms Durham is the second oldest surviving person with down syndrome in the world. The 2009 edition of the Guinness Book of Records lists American Bert Holbrook as the record holder.
If Mr Holbrook is still alive today he will turn 82 this month.
Staff said Ms Durham loves a cup of tea and biscuits, and always hangs up her clothes before bed, ready for the next day.
Along with the nursing home staff, Ms Durham has been kept company by her community visitor Lyn Dwyer for a number of years.
Until Tomorrow,
Kathy ... One Day at a Time
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1 comment:
Oh how I wish I could go visit her!
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