There was little Hadley, bigger than life, way, way bigger, on the jumbo screen in New York’s Times Square. “I got the chills and a little teary-eyed seeing my beautiful daughter up there,” says Hadley’s mom, Ashley Stavropoulos. She had submitted a photo of Hadley with new baby brother, Knox, to be part of a collection highlighting the lives and contributions of people with Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome. The video presentation in Times Square was the kickoff to Down Syndrome Awareness month this October. Stavropoulos, her husband, Mike, and Hadley traveled from Woodstock to New York City to see the presentation. Stavropoulos talked about why it is important to raise awareness and about her family’s life with Hadley, who turns 3 on Oct. 8, the same day as the buddy walk for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. “I couldn’t have imagined or pictured a better daughter,” Stavropoulos said. “Or a more perfect daughter.”
Q: What do you want people to know about Hadley?
A: Hadley is the most amazing little girl I have ever met in my life. I know I am biased because she is my daughter but honestly, anyone who meets her falls in love with her. She loves "Sesame Street" and books and her new little brother, Knox. She is smart, sweet, determined, energetic. She has a beaming smile. She knows how to work a room better than anyone I have seen before.
Q: When did you learn that she had Down syndrome?
A: Mike and I learned that she most likely had Down syndrome when I was about 20 weeks pregnant. I had taken a non-invasive prenatal test.
Q: What did you think when you found out?
A: Disbelief. I don't think anyone is expecting to receive the news that there may be something different about their baby. I was scared of the unknown. I didn't know anyone with Down syndrome and I had a lot of outdated ideas about what it is. My husband and I were fearful for Hadley's health. I was worried how people would accept her, how we would tell family and friends. We were able to work through our worries and fears before she was born so we could celebrate her when she got here. Now I look back on those days and say, "There was nothing to be afraid of." I want to tell that scared mom, "It is going to OK. It is going to be more than OK." Hadley is the biggest blessing.
Q: How is raising a child with Down syndrome different from raising a child without it?
A: Raising any child brings its own set of challenges. We do have to take Hadley to more doctor appointments than one typically would. She also does speech, occupational and physical therapy to help with her development. A child with Down syndrome will achieve all of the same milestones that a child without it will. It might just take them a little longer. When they do reach those milestones, it is just so sweet because you know how hard they worked to achieve those goals.
Q: Why is it important to raise awareness about Down syndrome?
A: We want to see some of these outdated stereotypes about Down syndrome erased. We want to show that we are more alike than we are different, to increase inclusion and acceptance. Individuals with Down syndrome have qualities and characteristics that everyone can learn from and they are great assets to the communities they live in.
Q: How did you feel seeing Hadley’s photo on the giant screen?
A: Extremely proud. It really is an indescribable feeling. We were super excited Hadley was included in this event highlighting our beautiful children with Down syndrome living everyday lives.
Q: What does the photo of Hadley with her little brother say to you?
A: I see her beaming with pride holding her new baby brother. The two have such a sweet bond. She adores him and he loves his big sister. That is exactly what I see.
Atlanta Buddy Walk
Awareness-raising event and fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta
1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8
Georgia International Plaza, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta
Information: www.dsaatl.org/buddy_walk
About the Author
