I told a few people I would post a link to a story that recently ran in our local paper about Bridget, but the link wasn't working, so here's the story for anyone who is interested...
Family's photo heads to Times SquareSpecial video presentation to highlight Down syndrome
Thursday, September 27, 2007
BRITTINY DUNLAP
Bridget Peele's story isn't just about her Down syndrome diagnosis. Her story is about her family and friends who have accepted her circumstances and see the life and potential in a child, not the barriers.
"I think that Bridget is perfect," said 11-year-old Sara Peele. "She fits in just like everyone else."
Bridget was born six weeks premature on July 23, 2006. She required surgery shortly after she was born to correct an abdominal wall defect and was diagnosed with Down syndrome. There was no indication that anything was wrong with Bridget during Lisa Peele's pregnancy. Everything was proceeding as normal, but Peele felt something wasn't right. "About a week before Bridget was born I had a dream that my water broke and Bridget was born with Down syndrome," Lisa Peele said.
Despite the initial setback, Dublin's Peele family has a "glass is half full" outlook on life.
"She really teaches us a lesson," said 10-year-old Kyle Peele. "What she's taught us is that just because she has Down syndrome, doesn't mean she's not as good as everyone else."
"She's just the same as everyone in the world," added 8-year-old Brian Peele.
That same message of worldwide acceptance is being touted by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) during a special video production that will be shown in Times Square in New York City later this month.
A photo of Bridget and her siblings was selected from more than 2,500 entries in the NDSS nationwide call for photos. The photo shows Bridget at 5 months, sleeping in the arms of her sister, Sara. They are surrounded by siblings Brian, Kyle and Emmy.
"They wanted to show people with Down syndrome as vital active members of the community, which they are," Peele said. "And the picture of the kids adoring Bridget is perfect, because that is how they feel. The only argument in this house is who gets 'Bridgey.'"
About 215 photographs will appear in a video production to be shown on the News Corporation and Panasonic Astrovision television in Times Square. It will run prior to the New York City Buddy Walk on Sunday, Sept. 30. The Buddy Walk is the primary advocacy and fund-raising event for Down syndrome.
The Columbus Buddy Walk, which benefits the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, also will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Crew Stadium.
The Peele family has an inspiringly positive outlook on life and life for Bridget.
"Since she does have Down syndrome, is she different? Yes. But just because she has Down syndrome doesn't mean she can't do everything," Kyle said.
"She's as different as they all were," Peele said. "Every child is distinctly different. When they reach milestones is different. She's just done things on her own timeline."
"This child is their own person and will become their own person," Peele continued. "You have to let them dream for themselves."
After Bridget was born, the Peeles set out to research Down syndrome, but all they found was negativity -- a message they are hoping to change.
"With Down syndrome in particular, there are a lot of doctors that are not aware of what things are like today," Peele said. "People with Down syndrome are living longer and having much more active lives."
This wasn't the Peele's first brush with a negative medical diagnosis. About three years ago, Lisa, then 34, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Research and diagnosis from doctors didn't look good. Defying statistics and after a major surgery, Peele is thriving. Last week, she had a clean scan and was pronounced in good health.
"I think my tumor prepared me for Bridget," Peele said. "When you have a child you just keep an open heart and open mind and know things can be good and joyful. They have lots of gifts to give you."
For more information about Bridget, go to
www.bridgets-light.com.
