Serious stuff

Today is the day for serious.  There is an insidious disease among us and it is 100% preventable.  Do you know about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?  I did not know much about it, either until my family was touched.  According to the National Organization on Fetal alcohol Syndrome, 1 in 100 babies have FASD, nearly the same rate as Autism.  FASD is more prevalent than Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, SIDS, Cystic Fibrosis, and Spina Bifida combined. Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities.

A few more facts about FAS.......The Institute of Medicine says, “Of all the substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus.”  The effects, which are lifelong and irreversible, include physical deformities, slow growth, vision and hearing deficits, poor coordination, developmental delays and learning disabilities, and behavioral issues.  FAS is an "invisible disability" in that people who are affected often do not have physical signs of disease.

Our 11 year-old son, Levi, was formally diagnosed with FAS in 2010.  We knew when he came to us at birth that his birth mother used alcohol, along with almost every other street and prescription drug that is available.  We knew he was severely affected because of the full body tremors, inability to drink formula without choking, stiff muscles, and his cry which occurred for hours at a time.  When Levi was about 6 months old we began to be able to leave the house with him again and our lives looked something like normal.  It was new normal, though, and the normal has changed continually over the past 11 years.

Levi has the kindest, most tender heart I have ever known.  He cares deeply about people and animals and he wants to please.  He is sweet, funny, and generous.  But he could have been so much more.  My heart aches for what will never be.  Because of FAS, Levi's overall functioning is that of a 5 year-old. As he grows up, it will always be that of someone about half of his chronological age.  He does not understand cause and effect, has difficulty following simple commands, struggles with learning, and is oversensitive to touch, sound, smell, and any type of change.  These are just a few of his challenges, there are many more.

Did I mention that FAS is 100% preventable?  If you are considering having children, or know someone who is, please consider this very seriously and share what you have learned.  No amount of alcohol consumption has been proven safe during pregnancy. The short-term gratification of having that drink will never be worth the long-term consequences for your family.  I am sorry if this post has brought you down. That was not my intent, but I did say I was going to be brutally honest and this has been on my mind.  

Levi is a blessing to our family and to the people who know and love him.  He has unlimited potential and has much to offer to the world.  We are grateful that God placed in him our family and our world is bigger and brighter because of his presence.  Please do not mistake my message, but smile when you see him because you know how much he has already overcome.