Down Syndrome Awareness Month Story- Benny

Benny was born May 31, 1984.  I remember that day with two emotions: One as a proud father and second a confused parent.  The nurse told us that Benny had Down syndrome and that he would be no more than just a vegetable. I wasn’t sure what to think, but I wanted to take him home and try.

I really had no doubt he was coming home, but not knowing much about Down syndrome, I decided I needed to start my research.  He developed slowly, but was all ways encouraged to do anything he wanted.

Benny developed into a great basketball player and was on two State Champion teams. He is an associate member of the Rome Volunteer Fire Department. And, most recently, Benny got married.

I ask you does that sound like a vegetable? Not to me.

 

This story was submitted by Damon Slone, Benny’s proud father.  The Slone Family has been actively involved with DSACO’s programs and assisted in positioning DSACO to further its reach into Southern Ohio.