Sheena’s story: Advocating on behalf of her son and the entire community 

**This story was submitted via our #MyDsStory submissions 

Written by our guest writer, Sheena Stropki 

When I saw the post to share my DS story, I immediately started thinking about all the things I see and hope not only for my son, but also all of the individuals I have met on this journey. My son Paxton was born January 14, 2023, and was a birth diagnosis. There was not a lot of support or information given to me, so I had to seek it out. Even being an Intervention Specialist, and working with kids with mild disabilities, I have never had a student with Down syndrome, so I wasn’t sure what to accept.  

A month later, we began going to LMNOP at our local GiGi’s Playhouse, and now a year later, we also attend GiGiFIT, and I am a math tutor once a week. I have learned SO much! I have also seen the ignorance of society. I decided to write an I Am poem on behalf of Paxton and the rest of the Down syndrome community. As an educator by trade, I have become more determined to educate society and advocate for my son and others in the DS community. 

Here is Sheena’s poem:  

I Am Paxton 

I am a happy, loving boy, and while I may have Down syndrome, that does not define me.  

I wonder where life will take me, with my family by my side. 

I hear my family say, “I love you!” and “Paxton, you’re the best!” 

I see my mama’s smiling face, which makes me smile too.  

I wish to live in an inclusive world and not be defined by my extra chromosome. 

I am a happy, loving boy, and while I may have Down syndrome, that does not define me.  

I pretend to be a fish, when I am swimming in the pool. 

I feel all the same emotions that other people do.  

I touch my puppy’s fur, so fluffy and so soft.  

I worry that I will be compared to others, instead of accepted for myself. 

I cry when I fall down, but I always get back up.  

I am a happy, loving boy, and while I may have Down syndrome, that does not define me.  

I understand what love is, and feel it every day. 

I say, “I can do anything when people believe in me”. 

I dream of what I might become, a swimmer, an actor, or a college student on my way to get a job.  

I try my hardest all the time, in everything I do, and I don’t let anything stop me from what I have set out to do.  

I hope that you see me for the determined boy I am, and offer to lend a helping hand.  

I am a happy, loving boy, and while I may have Down syndrome, that does not define me. 

END OF POEM 

We invite all our readers to share and submit your stories so we can continue to highlight the beauty of Down syndrome. Submit here.