For most people, learning their child was born with a disability can be scary or even heartbreaking. However, many people born with these challenges are often determined to overcome them. Furthermore, it shows others that they can still live a quality life. As was the case with Lisa Newtop. A mom with Down Syndrome who proved to the world she was as capable as any other parent.
Lisa Newtop was 30 years old when she found out she was pregnant. Both she and the baby’s father have Down syndrome, so the pregnancy came as a shock to some people. Sadly, many judged her for making the decision to have the baby. However, Lisa’s mom, Patti, was nothing short of supportive.
“I was checking my messages at work, and there was this message from Lisa saying, ’Hi, mom. I just wanted to call to let you know that you’re going to be the grandmother.’” Patti shared.
The news of her pregnancy shocked most people because baby Nic’s father also has Down syndrome. In most cases, males with the condition are considered infertile. Nonetheless, Lisa and her boyfriend at the time made a courageous choice.
Particularly because, during that time, society had a negative understanding of those with Down syndrome. So much so that many of Lisa’s friends turned their backs on her; meanwhile, their parents believed she was not a good influence on their children.
Regardless of who stayed in her life, the mom with Down syndrome was determined to make a happy life for baby Nic. In 1995, Patti told TODAY, she and her husband had plans to travel, and the pair was happy to finally enjoy a now empty home. Alternatively, when she got the shocking news about her grandson, she knew exactly where she was meant to be.
Lisa and Patti worked side by side, giving baby Nic, who was also born with Down syndrome, the highest quality of life possible and the most love a little boy could ask for. Lisa, the mom with Down syndrome, proved to the world that she could still love empathically, uninhibitedly, and wholeheartedly.
Lisa has spent the last few decades completely devoted to her baby boy. In some cases, needing more help than just what her family could provide. Nearly 30 years later,
Nic is living in Stockton with his grandmother and his mother with Down syndrome is in an apartment nearby. Sadly, Norm passed away in 2021 but not before developing a deep bond with Nic, who often called Norm “Dad“.
Nic’s father died when he was only five from a heart condition, leaving the boy with “2 moms” and Norm, proving that Patti and her husband profoundly impacted the young man’s life.
Lisa, with, the help of her own mom, has changed the way the world views people with certain conditions, as well as, how they viewed fathers or mothers with Down syndrome. Moreover, her son, whom she’s “so proud of” has high ambitions, further proving that people with the condition can have a chance at a life similar to their peers, with the right kind of love and support from those around them.
