Because having Down Syndrome weakens the immune system it left me vulnerable to a very common respiratory virus known
as Respiratory Syncytial Virus commonly called RSV. RSV claims the lives of approximately 4500 children with normal
immune systems each year who contract the virus on one occassion. As you read on you will understand just how blessed
I am.
With my having a weakened immune system and very under-developed lungs this virus for me was equivilent to a normal adult
having triple pneumonia. In fact I contracted RSV on 13 occassions. My doctors had never heard of any child having
RSV on as many occassions as myself.
At one point I was in the ICU for 13 days and for a time during that period I was assisted in my breathing 85% to 90%
on a respirator and many medical professionals thought I wasn't going to live.
Overall, I had 18 tough stays in the hospital including my first two birthdays but, with blessings from GOD, the prayers
of many people and the undying love of family I'm alive and well today.
