An advocacy group's video response to a scared expectant mother of a child with Down syndrome has captured the hearts (and clicks) of Internet users around the world.
The tear-inducing video titled "Dear Future Mom" has more than 2.5 million views on YouTube and tweets mentioning #DearFutureMom have been trending on Twitter.
The video was created for CoorDown - the Italian Coordinator of the National Association of People with Down Syndrome, and was made to promote the March 21 World Down Syndrome Day.
In the video, a woman writes she is scared about what kind of life a Down syndrome child can have. The video response features a group of 15 young adults and children from across Europe all of whom have Down syndrome. In their native languages (and subtitled in English), they respond with all the joys and life experiences that children with Down syndrome can have.
The video concludes with a message to the letter writer that she, too, will be happy, and shows the children hugging their mothers.
According to Mayo Clinic, Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong mental retardation, developmental delays and other problems. Symptoms can include poor muscle development, upward slanted eyes, short neck and fingers and excessive flexibility.
Here is the full text of the letter and response in the video:
On the 9th of February, we received this email from a future mom: "I'm expecting a baby. I've discovered he has Down syndrome. I'm scared: what kind of life will my child have?"
Today, we reply to her like this.
Dear Future Mom, don't be afraid.
Your child will be able to do many things. He'll be able to hug you. He'll be able to run towards you. He'll be able to speak and tell you he loves you.
He'll be able to go to school, like everybody. He'll be able to learn to write. And he'll be able to write to you, if someday he is far away. Because indeed, he'll be able to travel too.
He'll be able to help his father fix his bicycle. He'll be able to work and earn his money. And with that money, he'll be able to invite you out for dinner. Or rent an apartment and go living alone.
Sometimes it will be difficult. Very difficult. Almost impossible. But isn't it like that for all mothers?
Dear Future Mom, your child can be happy. And you'll be happy too.
People with Down syndrome can live a happy life. Together we can make it possible. #DearFutureMom
