Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you because your life’s path had changed so drastically that it didn’t feel like you were able to enjoy it?… My Husband (Dominic Collison) and I planned our pregnancy and only prayed for a healthy, safe pregnancy, not knowing that our journey was not planned according to what we wanted, God knew differently. May 2018 I was referred to GSH for detailed scans when there were concerns reported about Wyatt’s nasal and femur growth; no diagnostic testing for Down Syndrome was given. I remember sitting in the room alone realizing how deep down inside, I knew he had it, but, yet, I was so terrified…not of his disability, challenges he’d face medically but of how SOCIETY would treat him. I cried & cried… January 08/01/19 Wyatt was born weighing 2. 7kg via emergency C-section at 38 weeks, Wyatt’s diagnosis of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) was then Confirmed.
We didn’t know much about Down Syndrome, didn’t know anyone who had it, but it was something that we had to learn more about. We just felt so lost & scared. I held on to my faith, tried to be encouraged by others, but, like, they didn’t have a clue as to what I was going through! I remember searching online looking for information & wanting to see pictures of kids that have DS.
But, We Just accepted our boy and we were prepared to walk this journey with him, not knowing what was coming next… At 6 month’s we noticed he was not responding to any sounds and was soon referred to the Ear institute in Bellville to test his ears and the diagnosis of bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss was made. My heart sank and it felt like I failed as a mom, not picking up his hearing sooner. For 6 month’s it was Back and forth with testing, scans, audiologist appointments. It was like we were getting nowhere. When he was about 12 months old; another diagnosis was made… radiological scans determined hypoplastic nerves as well as malformation of the cochlear. My emotions were everywhere… Wyatt was soon fitted with bilateral hearing aids, which were a challenge to keep in. His audiologist explained to us that due to his malformed cochlear, hypoplastic nerves and diagnosis of Down Syndrome; the outcome for Wyatt with a Cochlear implant was unpredictable and that the Hearing aids were not helping with his hearing.
His Surgery was approved and his CI surgery (left ear) was on 11/09/2020. It was a success and it shocked the doctor’s that they found a response. God gave my son the gift of hearing… his switch-on, on 20 October 2020 National Down Syndrome Day. (first down syndrome child with a cochlear implant in South Africa) Wyatt has been adjusting so well to wearing his KANSO and knows that it is of great value to him. We are truly proud of how Wyatt is developing, his resilience and willingness to adapt is inspiring and it encourages us daily to never let your DISABILITY define you, but your ABILITY to make that difference and never give up. Wyatt’s future has been planned perfectly by our creator. There has always been a tremendous amount of support available to us and there are ongoing appointments from paediatricians, audiologists, speech and language therapist’s and the list goes on. Our son has brought so much happiness into our lives. He has a wonderful sense of humour, is lovable, affectionate, sociable and he loves making others laugh. His smile is truly infectious. He has made me a stronger person, taught me to appreciate little things and love life. He is perfect and I wouldn’t change him for the world. It’s not always been easy of course but when is it ever easy to raise a child? So to all of you new parents out there, don’t be disheartened or scared or worried. Be happy and be strong and celebrate your new bundle of joy. Try and enjoy every single moment and capture photos and videos to treasure. There is a supportive community of parents out there to help and guide you every step of the way. Every child is different, embrace their uniqueness.
Love Wyatt’s proud parents.
