12-Year-Old With Down Syndrome Saves Little Sister from Drowning

What if 12-year-old Carin had met the same fate as 90% of the other children with Down Syndrome – been aborted instead of welcomed into the world? It would have meant an entirely different fate for her little sister, Jac’Lynn. She would have drowned without Carin there to save her.

When 3-year-old Jac’Lynn went into the pool to try to get in her swim tube, she went straight to the bottom. Fortunately, Carin was there and immediately went into action, grabbing her goggles and pulling her little sister out. Carin acted quickly and without fear. She became Jac’Lynn’s hero and again showed that young people with Down Syndrome are much more capable than some believe.

It’s a sad situation when 90% of parents who are advised that their unborn child has Down Syndrome decide to abort that child. What a loss to them and to the world. Decades ago Down Syndrome children used to be institutionalized, but that is no longer the case. With early intervention, Down Syndrome children can learn far more than anyone ever realized and go on to lead happy and productive lives.

Many, in fact, have excelled in their fields. Megan graduated with honors, earning her degree in education. Several have become models and actors. Angela became a councilwoman. Eli reached the base camp of Mount Everest. Others have gone on to own and run their businesses.

However, like all children, some will excel more while others become happy productive adults in their rights. All of them needed the opportunity to survive.

Teenagers today are leading the way in accepting Down Syndrome young people as their school peers, playing sports, participating as cheerleaders, etc. They protect and value their slightly different classmates and enthusiastically celebrate their victories. Adults should take note and follow their caring example.