One mother has made it her mission to help support parents of babies born with Down syndrome.
Kerry Godbout knew her son, Louis, was special the moment that he was born.
“I remember him looking at me and he’s thinking I’m not what you expected but love me anyways,“ she said. “And we did, we instantly did”.
Louis was born with Down syndrome, and Godbout is thankful that a perfect stranger stopped by her room that morning.
“In walks this wonderful woman with a megawatt smile,” said Godbout.
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The woman was Krista Rowland-Collins, there to offer her support with a simple gesture.
“Krista held my hand and she grieved with us, she didn’t come rushing in and say everything is going to be okay,” explains Godbout. “She honoured the
human quotient and said this sucks, but it’s going to be okay.”
“Adele’s Over the Rainbow Baskets” are created by Rowland-Collins out of her basement.
They’re inspired by her daughter, Adele, who has Down’s syndrome and she uses them to help support other new Mothers whose babies are born with the developmental disability.
“I want those first moments to be okay for them,” Rowland-Collins said. “It is overwhelming… we walk in with a basket but it helps to bring a little bit of comfort”.
Godbout says the basket was the welcome that baby Louis deserved.
“That became a symbol of healing, all of that wrapped up with cellophane and a ribbon… it was amazing,” she said.
The baskets include resources and information on Down syndrome to help parents navigate the first few months.
For more information on Adele’s Over the Rainbow Baskets or to donate visit the Facebook page.
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