By NICOLE WILLIAMS
HOURS after the birth of their daughter Amelia, Jess Christie and her partner Nathan were shocked by the news that she was born with Down syndrome.
“You go from having a perfect family of a little boy and girl to rock bottom in a manner of seconds,” the Longwarry mother of two said.
“There were a lot of feelings running through head (when you hear).
“You think of yourself straight away and that is something I regret.”
The couple’s pregnancy scans did not reveal any abnormalities and the they even discussed a possible diagnosis of Down syndrome at the 12 week scan – having decided they would not continue with the pregnancy.
But Ms Christie admits the decision was uneducated and now they couldn’t be happier.
“We were so uneducated about it,” she said.
“We said there was no way we were going to raise a disabled kid but now we say bring it on.
“We love her more than anything. Down syndrome is not as scary as we first thought.”
Following the diagnosis Amelia was also tested for heart defects, which are common with Down syndrome, and an ultrasound revealed a large hole in her heart, two smaller holes and a leaky vessel.
She went into heart failure at six weeks and had surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital four weeks later.
“She has come leaps and bounds. She has already gone through so much,” Ms Christie said.
Amelia is now 16 weeks old and going from strength to strength – something Ms Christie wants to show off at the Step Up! For Down syndrome walk next month.
Down Syndrome Victoria is now a major influence in the family’s life by providing support services, information and regular check-ups.
“We had no idea but now we want to give back,” she said.
“They have given us so much. I can’t wait to walk around with our little girl as proud as punch.”
The family has been collecting donations for the cause and have already come very close to the original $1000 target.
“We have been overwhelmed by support – especially from people we don’t know,” she said.
The four-kilometre walk, Step Up! For Down syndrome will be held on Sunday 13 October at Princes Park, Carlton, to raise awareness and fund for Down Syndrome Victoria.
To support the Amelia and her family in the event, visit stepup-melbourne2013.everydayhero.com/au/amelia-s-crusaders.
