Prince Frederick, MD — A local toddler will be featured on the big screen in the heart of New York City as a part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual Times Square Video presentation on September 14th.
Two-year-old Michael Cusin, of Prince Frederick, was picked to be part of the video from over 3,000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos.
His father, also named Michael, isn’t surprised. He says his son has been the family’s shining star since day one.
Michael lives with his Dad, Michael, and Mom, Heather, in Prince Frederick. He’s the youngest of three. Big sister Annabelle just turned six and sister Gabrielle is three. As you can see from the photo, they’re among this shining star’s biggest fans. His mom says he loves giving them hugs, slobbery kisses, and pulling their hair.
Michael was born with Trisomy 21, commonly called Down Syndrome. The genetic disorder happens in utero when the cells divide. Michael has three copies of his 21st chromosome instead of the typical two.
Heather Cusin had no idea her son was facing health issues before he was born but became suspicious soon after. “When Michael was born I immediately thought he looked like he had Down Syndrome, but I never mentioned it. When he was 3 days old a nurse at Calvert Memorial Hospital took him to do a heart test because she and other nurses had some suspicions that he had Down Syndrome. When he failed the test she came in with a pediatric specialist and said she believed he had it. That’s the day our lives were changed forever!”
At first, Heather admits she was devastated. “But it never once made us love him any less, if anything we immediately loved him more.”
She says their fears about his future were calmed when she joined online support groups and met other parents with Down Syndrome children. “The sky is the limit for Michael! He can be a business owner, work a typical 9-5 job, find love, and be just like everyone else.”
The one thing Heather says she wants people to know about her son is that he really isn’t any different than anyone else. “Sure he has some medical issues and may look different, but he’s a little boy who likes to play in water, especially the toilet, and climb on anything, like the kitchen table.”
The active toddler also loves anything that makes noise, music, and bath time.
Heather learned about the photo contest in one of the Down Syndrome Facebook groups she belongs to. Michael’s photo was selected from over 3,000 entries to appear in the Times Square video which will be shown the morning of the NDSS Buddy Walk® in New York City on September 14 and kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month.The video will feature approximately 500 individuals with Down Syndrome working, playing and learning alongside friends and family.
Heather hopes seeing the pictures will help people understand that adults and children with Down Syndrome are just like them. “They live a typical life just like you and me. Sure, it may take them longer to walk and talk, and even learn certain things, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be happy. It also doesn’t mean they don’t deserve respect like everyone else. We need to teach our children to not be afraid of people who look and act differently.”