34. Our Response to the East Family's Negative Down Syndrome Diagnosis

With all the chatter surrounding the recent videos from Shawn and Andrew East and their negative Down Syndrome diagnosis, we thought it best to chime in (with grace and compassion, we might add!). The East’s have been extremely (and admirably!) open about their pregnancy journey thus far, but controversy arose when they shared what the media deemed “disappointing news” that their baby had markers for Down Syndrome, in their video, “pregnancy complications | the east family.” Their next video titled, “answered prayers. | the east family,” featured the couple celebrating news that their baby would be born “healthy,” AKA without Down Syndrome. Naturally, the online Down Syndrome community went wild. And even more naturally, the media celebrated this “uplifting update” from the couple. But how does someone with Down Syndrome or someone who has a loved one with Down Syndrome celebrate this? How can we jump for joy to celebrate that your child won’t be like ours?

So friends, now that you’re all caught up on recent news, join us for a conversation all about health and Down Syndrome, fear of the unknown, the challenges of being a public figure, and grace for families with a potential diagnosis. We’re shouting the worth of our kiddos extra hard right now, and giving lots of extra grace too. Because that’s what people with Down Syndrome have taught us to do. Shawn and Andrew-- see why we are who we are, #TheLuckyFew.