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02.02.2010 Love Can't Be Stopped by Down syndrome

"Love can't be stopped by cultural differences or different faiths. Love can't be stopped by Down syndrome," – said pastor Paulson at a wedding ceremony when Carolyn and Sujeet were about to take their vows. We are frequently asked if people with Down syndrome are capable of building families. One hundred percent yes! In the West it is a common thing that people with Down syndrome marry and live independently.

We want to tell you a romantic story of one American couple. Both of them have Down syndrome and both are high achievers, advocates and role models within the DS community. They are heroes of documentaries, newspaper interviews and TV shows such as Oprah Winfrey Show.

Sujeet Desai plays six instruments, he is a famous musician who travels the world with concerts. He has a 2nd degree Black Belt in martial arts (Tae Kwon Do). He won gold and silver medals in the World Games 99 Special Olympics in Swimming and numerous medals in Special Olympics in Alpine skiing, Cross-country running and Bowling.

Carolyn takes an active part in advocacy of people with special needs. Attending conferences and seminars on the topic, she gives many inspirational speeches (often comparing herself to an oddly shaped tomato in her dad's garden--"different but just as juicy"). She also volunteers working with children with cerebral palsy.

They came of age in an era of early-intervention programs to spur physical and mental development--Desai began one at 7 weeks. Once in school, they were included in regular classrooms when possible and were offered tutoring and special classes when needed. Both husband and wife are high school graduates. The young people met at National Down Syndrome Congress. "I told my mom I wanted to date her," Desai recalls. "I was shy. I couldn't say anything, so Mom helped”. The couple began dating at a Valentine's Day party. "I had my eyes on her all the time," - Sujeet says. "Later that night, I started to kiss her. She loved it!"

In July 2006 two lovely ceremonies, one Hindu (Sujeet has Indian routs) and the second Christian, joined them in marriage. "There are not many words to express how much I really love him. He's beyond words," – said Carolyn on their wedding. The young couple lives independently, having part-time support from social workers and families with their daily routines. The young family doesn’t plan to have children: men with Down syndrome are infertile, and there is a 50 % chance that the women will have babies with Down syndrome. Carolyn and Sujeet have other plans: "We want to continue with our speeches, to continue to make a difference in this world for people with special needs, to have some fun time too. And to take care of each other."

Resorces used:
www.time.com/
www.post-gazette.com/
www.sujeet.com/
 
 
Даунсайд Ап - зарегистрированное британское благотворительное общество № 1055087,

зарегистрированная компания № 3026295 и зарегистрированная в России

НКО "Благотворительный фонд Даунсайд Ап" № 67698

 

Downside Up is the operating name of Downside Up Limited, a registered UK charity no. 1055087,

registered company no. 026295

and of Russian Charitable Fund no. 67698

  

 

 

"Downside Up" charitable fund

105043, 3rd Parkovaya Str., 14A, Moscow
phone./fax: (499) 367-1000, 367-2636