Inspirational Book
from Sacramento Bee
Jeremy McCarthy, a softspoken, bespectacled young man in black Nike shoes and a River Cats baseball cap, is juggling a very busy schedule. "I work here every day," he says, gesturing around McClatchy High School's teen center for youths with disabilities. He also teaches golf, takes college music classes and plays basketball and floor hockey. He travels, dances and, in his rare free moments, enjoys watching wrestling videos. His latest project? Role model.
McCarthy and other adults with Down syndrome are featured in a new book and video designed to inspire parents who have, or are expecting, children with the condition. The nonprofit Down Syndrome Information Alliance will be releasing "Dreams in Reality" at its annual Celebration of Hope fundraiser Monday in downtown Sacramento.
"Even in this day and age, the diagnosis is often presented as a tragedy," said Linn, who has a young son with the syndrome. "Parents are told that their child will never amount to anything. We are trying to show families of children with Down syndrome that there are some really cool role models out there."
Prospective parents so fear having a child with Down syndrome that about 90 percent of those who receive a prenatal diagnosis elect to abort their fetus, studies show. "That hasn't changed since the 1980s, as far as I know," said Dr. Joseph Pinter, associate professor of pediatrics and director of the Down Syndrome Clinic at Oregon Health and Science University. Yet, during that time, life expectancy for people with the condition has shot up; many stay healthy and reach their 60s or 70s, Pinter said.
"Not all of these people are going to accomplish a lot, but we need to give them the opportunities to accomplish everything they can," said Pinter. "I don't think you can give people too much hope. I have learned to stop telling people anything about limits."
The Sacramento nonprofit group's goal is to contact "every new and expectant parent" of a baby with Down syndrome, offering them the latest research information, emotional support and referrals, Linn said. The "Dreams in Reality" book and video will be included in a package distributed to each parent.
