Hello, my name is Dana Anderson and I am the Vice President and the Education Chairperson for the DSA. My husband Ted and I have been married for 8 years and we have been blessed with two adorable sons. Theodore (10/98) 7 and Aaron (09-03) 2. Both of our sons are ANGELS sent from above, but Theodore is GOD’S special gift to us; he has Down syndrome.

I think we were the lucky ones. We knew that Theodore had Down syndrome before he was born. His ASD & VSD were neon lights in all the ultrasounds. The doctor said, when he normally saw this type of heart defect that the child might have Down syndrome. There was only one way to find out for sure. I was afraid of the needle, but the amino was necessary for my sanity. I do not think I would’ve wanted it any other way. After the confirmation, I was obsessed with learning everything I could about Down syndrome. I was a kindergarten teacher; I could handle it, RIGHT? “Handle it” is just what we did. Theodore had open-heart surgery at 5 months, weighing 10 lbs., and was in ICU for 17 days. Those were the hardest days of our lives. If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger. Theodore has been generally healthy since then. He still has occasional asthma attacks or ear infections, which can be pretty severe when your child has a high tolerance for pain. Otherwise, we are doing very well. Theodore does still have a slight regurgitation in his heart, but as long as his heart keeps growing with him, we’re ok. Annual check ups are the best!

I cannot exactly say how long I have been a member of this group. I have seen the name change, growth occur and more babies born. All I know is the DSA was the place to go when I didn’t know where else to go or what else to do. When I was afraid, I knew I was not alone; someone else had been through it. I thank God for the founders of this organization.

After you have been through the defining times in your life, you are afraid of any additional defining times. So, wanting to have another baby was out of the question, but needing to have one was necessary. Theodore needed a sibling, but fear is a powerful thing even if you are a Christian. (God has not given us a spirit of fear…I TIM 1:7)  My age was not a big factor, but having a child with a disability was huge. My God and I have a really good connection, and I understood that all things work for good, for those who love the Lord. (Rom 8:28)  Thus enters our youngest, Aaron 2. He is Theodore’s best friend, playmate and cohort in the destruction of our living room. Our God has truly blessed us.

We are active members at Maranatha Bible Church, where Theodore & Aaron participate in the Cherubim choir and youth ministry. Theodore attends William Paschall Elementary in Judson ISD.  He has been included in their pre-k 4, kinder and 1st grade programs. Now he is on his way to 2nd grade. He also plays T-ball for Kinetic Kids, and Aaron can’t wait to play with his brother. Theodore loves to play outside, visit Nana and Godparents, read and go to therapy.

The creation of life is an astounding thing. It is too amazing for my menial mind to comprehend.  But GOD, the giver and sustainer of life, is AWESOME and we, the Anderson’s, wait in AWE of what is to come in the lives of GOD’S Angels.