BAVINA SOOKDEO

World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated on March 21, is an internationally recognised awareness day that has been acknowledged by the UN since 2012. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition characterised by the presence of an additional chromosome.

Normally, individuals are born with 46 chromosomes, but those with Down Syndrome possess an extra copy of chromosome 21. This occurrence, termed trisomy, alters the typical development of the body and brain, leading to both mental and physical challenges in affected individuals.

Chromosomes serve as packets of genetic information that play crucial roles in determining the formation and functioning of a baby’s body throughout pregnancy and after birth.

In Point Fortin, one woman has wholeheartedly embraced her son’s uniqueness. Kavita Singh’s son Levi was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. At 38, Singh, the single mother of three boys, also owns Image Expression by Kavi, where she works as a certified makeup artist and hairdresser. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Being a single mother and parent of a child with Down Syndrome has many challenges. However, this experience has given me a different perspective from Levi’s eye.”

Singh cherishes every milestone with Levi, highlighting moments like his first independent sit-up and his triumphant first steps at the age of three.

“I have a greater appreciation for daily functions that we may take for granted. Some of my greatest moments with Levi include when he sat up on his own for the first time and when he took his first steps on his own at the age of three. Before that, because of weak muscle tone (hypotonia), he was at a disadvantage of reaching normal developmental milestones for walking. At the age of three, he started repeating words. Today, at the age of five, slowly but surely, his vocabulary is expanding.”

Despite the hurdles they have faced, she remains resolute in her commitment to Levi’s growth and development. Asked on how she felt on Levi’s diagnosis, she said, “As a mother, experiencing a child with Down Syndrome for the first time, I was overwhelmed and scared, because I lacked understanding of this disorder. At that particular moment, after Levi’s birth, although I was emotional, I didn’t allow my fears to get the better of me. Instead, I accepted his diagnosis and to this day I am willing to learn everything about Down Syndrome in order to help him progress. I have never denied or questioned his diagnosis.”

Acknowledging the challenges she has faced, Singh admitted, “Over the last few years there have been moments when it becomes overwhelming, and I feel emotionally drained and physically tired.” But she finds solace in her other sons and her mother. “Thankfully, I have the unwavering support of my wonderful sons and mother, who are always there for Levi. They are his top supporters. His older brothers have an amazing relationship with him. I am always impressed by the way they interact, and they have always shown Levi so much attention, care and love. Levi has pe