InFocus
By Claire Miller
Big Support Local mom celebrates her son on World Down Syndrome Day
14 March/April 2022
Chris Webster stands behind the sign his mom made for World Down Syndrome Day last March.
sophomore at West High School in Columbus, has never had to retake a year of school. Last year, for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Gayle made a large sign display in the family’s Grove City yard to honor her son. “I just wanted to celebrate, since it was World Down Syndrome Day, celebrate for Chris,” she says. “He was all excited. He likes any big sign for him now, especially for his birthday and stuff like that.” Chris has plenty of personality to celebrate, his mom says. Every day after school, he enjoys working up a sweat dancing along to YouTube videos and music in his bedroom. Chris is interested in one day pursuing a career related to the police or caring for pets. “He wants to wear a uniform, since his dad (who works in information technology) wears a uniform at work,” Gayle says.
Finding a Community Raising a child with Down syndrome isn’t always easy. “Every day is a new day,” she says. “Every day is a challenge.” Fortunately, the Websters found a supportive community made up of parents like them. Early on, they attended Little Buddies Parent Resource Group sessions at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO). “We would talk about how (our kids were) progressing, what type of surgeries they’re doing,” Gayle says. “It was very helpful at the beginning when they were just babies and figuring out what to do, what to expect, what doctors are good to go see.” DSACO aims to help families of children with Down syndrome navigate challenges and answer questions they may have. The organization acts much like a concierge, says President Kari Jones, offering personalized services and detailed assistance to families. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Photos courtesy of Gayle Webster
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ach year, around 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. About 50 percent of babies born with Down syndrome are also born with a congenital heart defect. Children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea and ear infections, among other conditions. Unfortunately, many children and adults with Down syndrome also face another challenge: societal stigmatization. But for Gayle and Bob Webster, whose son Chris was born with an extra chromosome and two holes in his heart, that’s never been anything to be ashamed of. Chris has never backed down from a challenge. At just 5 months old, Chris, now 16, underwent a successful heart surgery – and that was just the beginning. He has overcome many challenges with the support of his family, including his younger sister, Caitlyn. Chris, a
