Aleteia: Kayden wasn’t expected to make it to his first birthday; now he’s a high school graduate (+ 2 videos)

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Aleteia: Kayden wasn’t expected to make it to his first birthday; now he’s a high school graduate 

When Kayden McClanahan was born, the prognosis wasn’t good — shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with Edwards syndrome.  . . .  Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18, or T18) occurs when the cells in a person’s body have an extra copy of chromosome 18 (3 copies instead of 2). In this way, it’s similar to Down syndrome, which occurs when people have an extra copy of chromosome 21, but Edwards syndrome causes more severe health problems.

It was a struggle along the way, for Kayden and for his parents, who exhibited great courage along the way, often having to fight their way past doctors who do not value the lives of people with severe disabilities. The story is well worth reading.

Kayden, Growing Up:

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Also – Harper

WEBINAR: Nurturing Independence in Families with Disabilities

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Children With Disabilities Realize Their Potential Through Art

The Publishing House of St. Elisabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus printed calendars with the award-winning artwork of young artists with disabilities, which they produced at the Visual Arts Studio in the Convent’s Supplementary Center for Children and Youth. At a ceremony in their honor the children received copies of the calendars illustrated by their works, with the blessing of the Convent’s spiritual father, Fr. Andrey Lemeshonok.

We have conducted our ministry among children with special needs for many year. We always welcomed the opportunity t work together and to be around for them. We have always treated them  as equals, like any other person. We give them our love, and expect the rest to come by itself. When people realize their potential, we are excited. There are so many people who never put to use their God-given talents despite their much broader capabilities. We are delighted to celebrate today the impressive achievements of the se young people of great resolve and determination and the great work of their dedicated teachers.   –  Archdeacon Yaroslav Blizniuk

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 Children With Disabilities Realize Their Potential Through Art

Also 

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And …

A Second Chance

An Ancient Faith Ministries Podcast:

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Length: 30:56

Presvytera Melanie speaks with her parents Pete and Alexis Tsikouris about learning from their past mistakes, what they want most for their grandson with disabilities, and what they cherish most about their relationship with him. 

ALSO . . .

A dedicated grandmother!

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Another caring grandmother:

 

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