Finding support

MOSES LAKE — When Jodie Sainsbury gave birth to identical twins with Down syndrome five years ago, all she wanted was to find someone who could be of support to her and her family.

Prior to the birth of twins Mariah and Holly, Sainsbury did not know they would be born with Down syndrome and the most common form at that: Trisomy 21.

Looking back, Sainsbury wishes she had been able to go to a community support group for families with children of Down syndrome and now wants to get a group started in Moses Lake.

"It's kind of like building a house, you want to talk to other people who have built a house," Sainsbury said of wanting to talk to others who also have children with Down syndrome. "A lot of people have said 'yeah let's do it,' but no one has stepped up to the plate."

Sainsbury said she would like to start with a small, informal group and see what type of a response it gets.

Learning to breastfeed the twins and understanding what type of developmental delays her daughters might have were issues Sainsbury wanted to talk to others about and hopes the support group provides for families locally.

Now the question most on Sainsbury's mind is whether to send Holly and Mariah to kindergarten next school year when they turn 6, or to wait another year.

"Ups and Downs" or "Grant County Down Syndrome Support Group" are being considered as names for the support group.

While Sainsbury is partial to "Ups and Downs" she has concerns that some people might take offense to the name.

"To me it's a shortcut, not a slang," Sainsbury said of the proposed group name.

Being open about her daughters' Down syndrome is something Sainsbury has always tried to encourage.

Wearing matching pink outfits on a recent afternoon, the twins enjoy watching Barney, dancing to music, and reading stories.

"I look at them as differently abled," Sainsbury said.

Having a support network where people can come and talk about the unique needs of children with Down syndrome is another reason Sainsbury wants to start a group.

Children with Down syndrome take longer to potty train and there are language barriers, Sainsbury said. "With these little kids, everything takes longer."

The first meeting for the group is scheduled for Feb. 16 at the AmeriStay Inn in Moses Lake from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information call (509) 765-0750.