Mindy's Story
Mindy was born in 1971 to a single 17 year old mother, in Australia. Although born at a regular weight, Mindy had obvious facial differences compared to the other newborns at the hospital and, most obviously, had a high-pitched cry that sounded cat-like.
Not knowing what was wrong, her young mother was already panicking. Shortly after Mindy was born, her mother was taken into a room and was told:
" I'm sorry, your baby has a chromosome abnormality which means she will be mentally retarded. She won't smile or sit up, won't walk, talk or even recognise you or her family. She will be impossible for you to care for, screaming all the time, difficult to feed and she will probably die before she is one year old "
Devastated, Mindy's mother panicked for days. Not knowing where to turn made matters worse, as she did not have relations with Mindy's father. Finally, she decided to keep Mindy and raise her as best as she could. She was determined to create the best life for Mindy, even if that meant just for one year.
However, Mindy beat the odds, and as she grew older than one year, her mother realized she had been given false information by the nurses. Mindy was able to roll, sit up, walk, run, and even talk! Although her speech was unclear, her mother was pleased with the girl her daughter was growing to be. Mindy's mother was furious that she had been in despair for no reason; she believes no one should go through the shock, pain, confusion and terror that she went through when she heard the news about Mindy.
As Mindy grew older, her mother met others with children just like Mindy. She learned more about the condition through other parents, and felt the need to assure others that the situation is most likely not as bad as the doctors make it seem. Her and Mindy were living proof of that.
Mindy's Mother decided to start a support group called "Cri du Chat Support Group of Australia" where she met with other families going through similar situations as her. She enjoyed helping others get through tough times, and felt their increasing hope helping her in return. Along the years, the support group increased to over 80 families searching for people to relate to, and to talk to. It was a huge success.
Mindy continued to grow and learn. Her speech was constantly improving, as well as her bodily coordination. She inhabited a passion for swimming (with a flotation device) and even learned to ice-skate. Mindy learned to draw, and clean up messes. Although she is unable to read or write, she has a way of expressing herself, which is most important. Times were still hard on Mindy's mother, however, as the expected temper tantrums kicked in. With the help of the Cri du Chat support group, Mindy's mom knew how to cope with Mindy's behavioural incapabilities, and taught her to reduce them.
Today, Mindy is 44 years old and still alive. She has kept up her passion for drawing, and has even had some of her paintings showcased in an art exhibition!
Mindy, and her mother, have been inspirations to hundreds of patients world-wide due to their ongoing determination, strength, and luck against the odds.
Not knowing what was wrong, her young mother was already panicking. Shortly after Mindy was born, her mother was taken into a room and was told:
" I'm sorry, your baby has a chromosome abnormality which means she will be mentally retarded. She won't smile or sit up, won't walk, talk or even recognise you or her family. She will be impossible for you to care for, screaming all the time, difficult to feed and she will probably die before she is one year old "
Devastated, Mindy's mother panicked for days. Not knowing where to turn made matters worse, as she did not have relations with Mindy's father. Finally, she decided to keep Mindy and raise her as best as she could. She was determined to create the best life for Mindy, even if that meant just for one year.
However, Mindy beat the odds, and as she grew older than one year, her mother realized she had been given false information by the nurses. Mindy was able to roll, sit up, walk, run, and even talk! Although her speech was unclear, her mother was pleased with the girl her daughter was growing to be. Mindy's mother was furious that she had been in despair for no reason; she believes no one should go through the shock, pain, confusion and terror that she went through when she heard the news about Mindy.
As Mindy grew older, her mother met others with children just like Mindy. She learned more about the condition through other parents, and felt the need to assure others that the situation is most likely not as bad as the doctors make it seem. Her and Mindy were living proof of that.
Mindy's Mother decided to start a support group called "Cri du Chat Support Group of Australia" where she met with other families going through similar situations as her. She enjoyed helping others get through tough times, and felt their increasing hope helping her in return. Along the years, the support group increased to over 80 families searching for people to relate to, and to talk to. It was a huge success.
Mindy continued to grow and learn. Her speech was constantly improving, as well as her bodily coordination. She inhabited a passion for swimming (with a flotation device) and even learned to ice-skate. Mindy learned to draw, and clean up messes. Although she is unable to read or write, she has a way of expressing herself, which is most important. Times were still hard on Mindy's mother, however, as the expected temper tantrums kicked in. With the help of the Cri du Chat support group, Mindy's mom knew how to cope with Mindy's behavioural incapabilities, and taught her to reduce them.
Today, Mindy is 44 years old and still alive. She has kept up her passion for drawing, and has even had some of her paintings showcased in an art exhibition!
Mindy, and her mother, have been inspirations to hundreds of patients world-wide due to their ongoing determination, strength, and luck against the odds.