A Shropshire mum has published her first book to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and show the journey through the eyes of a sibling after her three-year-old son was born with the genetic condition.
Katie-Lou Mackenzie, from Lawley, Telford, has written and published her book “” – whilst also telling her story of her journey as part of the book launch – in a bid to support others who might be earlier on in their journey.
“We had the tests whilst I was pregnant and there were no concerns. The only thing they said was that the baby’s legs were measuring short but no-one said what that could mean. “Alfie was born just before 6pm and James went home as visiting was over and I stayed up with Alfie. I had just gone to sleep and then at 3am I was woken up and asked to sign something in relation to Alfie. They said they needed to do an emergency blood exchange – take bad blood out and put good blood in.
“The results came back the day before we brought him home. He was tube fed for five days in hospital and he came out on a bottle and they said he probably wouldn’t do that and might have problems eating – he was proving everyone wrong at five days old – anyone who knows Alfie knows he loves cakes and biscuits and knows how to ask for them too!”
“You’re grieving for the child you thought you were going to have – like all new parents I had gone through so many milestones in my head for Alfie, I had planned his entire life in the nine months I was carrying him. But why should you put your dreams on your child? Just because you have a daughter doesn’t mean you are going to be a mother of the bride,” the 34-year-old engineer said.
Alfie has also become the first Official Mascot for Shifnal Town Football Club, helping spread his smile and inclusion in sports. Katie-Lou says a shopping trip can be lengthy as Alfie wins the hearts of everyone he meets and urges people not to be afraid of offending and ask questions so the knowledge of Down Syndrome can be shared.Katie-Lou also runs a Facebook page called “” which shows Alfie’s journey and the blonde haired, blue eyed toddler has just won a modelling contract too!
“It is great that the media’s perceptions of disabilities have changed over the years and the talents and abilities of all youngsters and adults are starting to be recognised. The story is full of achievements, love, inclusion and different perspectives of the world, where a cheeky, stubborn little boy called George and his brother James achieve their big dreams with the help of a little bit of magic from their eccentric Great-grandad.
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