Who I am: Rebecca Sullivan

Who I am: Rebecca Sullivan

The International Down Syndrome Coalition is running an awesome “Who I am” blog campaign. Last year our Spokesman Mike Sullivan and family Rae and Rebecca had the immense privilege to meet the lovely people at the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune in Paris. This is the portrait of Rebecca as presented in La letter de la Fondation Jérôme Lejeune in January. It is short and sweet, with lots of pictures and like all good things, a little imperfect through translation. A nice change from my usual posts!

Rebecca, Princess of our hearts

This is the story of a little clear blue eyed girl who is growing up in a country in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand.

It is the homeland where people like gazing at the ocean where the sea and the sky blend in. That is the daily life of a family whose ‘home sweet home’ is a large house facing the sea.

Five years ago, Rae and Mike’s life was changed by a little girl’s birth. Their first and much desired child was born with Down syndrome.  Her parents called her Rebecca. This little girl is the ray of sunshine for her parents, who are amazed by their little princess.

Rebecca loves playing with water.  Ocean waves, little laps in the swimming pool, Jacuzzi bubbles, any water is a source of enjoyment and leisure.

She is cheerful, curious, a wee bit cheeky, but above all she is a very loving little girl! She would put her cutest smile on every time she would like you to read her favourite book or to put “Dora the Explorer’ on TV. When she asks you, you bound to give in and you reply as well with your biggest smile.

That is how shiny Rebecca would win your heart.

With Rebecca, Rae and Mike found out the discrimination children with Down syndrome would be facing. For his daughter, Mike went on a crusade.  He needed much courage, determination and self will to challenge New Zealand’s government, reminding them of their duty to defend any citizen without any discrimination.

Mike has the unwavering support of his wife, who is a rock for him! Together, with others, they began this fight of David against Goliath to protect the rights of children with Down syndrome to be born into our communities without prejudice. They are ready and will do everything to protect and defend these children.

Rebecca Sullivan, that’s who I am. And she is why we do what we do. I love you, my beautiful daughter.