God's Gift To Me - My Great Story - National Down Syndrome Society

God's Gift To Me

God's Gift To Me By Michelle Schrader, Lake City, FL

Just twelve years ago God gave me the best gift ever - my son Chad, who was born with Down syndrome. I was only 17 at the time and scared to death that he wasn't gonna live. The doctors told me that they would do everything they could to keep him here with me, and they did just that! He has done everything that they said he wouldn't never do! He loves to dance and sing. He is a very smart young man. If God hadn't gave me him when he did I don't know where I would be today. He is my world and I want to share his joy with all of you!

Vote for your favorite story! Each month, the two stories with the most votes will be featured in the NDSS E-Newsletter.*

Email:

Your email address will be used for voter tracking only, and will not be used for future NDSS emails.
Click here to become a fan on Facebook.
Click here to follow us on Twitter.

*Votes will be reset at the end of each month.

Full Name
Email
Country
State
Comments (1,000 character limit)

Allow NDSS email communications
Fields in red are required

Laura Wilson, United States, AK
9/6/2012 1:21:07 AM
Wow! Being pregnant at 17 is scary enough let alone finding out you have a special needs child. I truly admire your courage to give him a chance and to realize the value he brings to your life. Your son is lucky to have you for his mom!

wanda , United States, FL
08/15/2012 22:03:35
For those that know me most know the special bond with chad i have. He truly is a gift from God. The Lord has had his hands on Chad from birth. Just to see and hear him laugh fills my heart with joy he is such a character when he dances and sings he likes to perform for me when no one is around. He wants my full attention. But of course my handsome grandson can be stubborn like most of us can. I'm truly blessed to be Chad Bartelme Granny and so very proud of him. with all my love granny Wanda

debra hunter, United States, FL
08/14/2012 21:55:20
this young man is my great nephew from the day he was born he was so special for many reasons he means the world to me i work alot hrs and sometimes my feet and legs hurt so did that for me but it was not a one time thing i dont care if hes playing or what ever if he sees his aunt debbie he has to help me in and out of chairs and even up steps it was so sweet the 1st time he ever helped me but he has been doing it for a few years now he is so smart and such a pleasure to be aroud please anyone reading this vote for chad to go to new york he wouuld love it annd his mom deserves achance to enjoy a one time trip they could never afford and a vote is all it takes thank you bebbie huntersh

Melissa, United States, NY
08/14/2012 17:58:19
Such a Blessing an amazing inspiration!! Please vote for this wonderful little guy Chad... He rocks! I can't wait to see and walk with you when you guys come up...

amber bartelme, United States, FL
08/14/2012 16:07:01
I'm so excited for chad he is a joy to be around his dad and i love him very much he has been blessed every step of the way and every step chad continues to take So please pick him he deserves it we love you chad

Jessica Hrapski, United States, FL
08/14/2012 08:05:19
I have had the pleasure of knowing Chad and his family from the time he was born. Chad is an amazing person with lots of love to share with the world. He is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with!!!

Christine Davich, United States, WV
08/14/2012 01:31:24
I would love to see Chad win this oppertunity, he has a special place in all of our hearts not because he needs special care but because of his humour, this lil'guy is intellagent and you will never forget how greatful he is to be in our lives, from all of his family and friends, he is so blessed to have a wonderful family and a mother that wants to give him just what he deserves! So please pick Chad Chad!

Brandi, United States, FL
08/14/2012 01:02:19
Chad is an awesome little guy! He is truely a blessing from above! Im so blessed to be part of his life! We love u chad chad:)

TINA MORRISON, United States, FL
08/14/2012 00:42:55
WE LOVE OUR CHAD MAN AND ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE HIM IN OUR LIVES AND TO BE ABLE TO WATCH HIM GROW INTO SUCH A LOVING CARING YOUNG MAN, WE LOVE YOU CHAD MAN !!!

Heather Austin, United States, OK
08/13/2012 21:31:45
This little boy has reach amazing goals that many people never thought he would make I am ao very glad to be able to call him my nephew. Life with a child that has special needs is hard but it is very rewarding and until you feel it you will have no idea what it is all about I am so proud of him and love him with all of my heart. You rock little man aunt heather loves you!!!!!!!!

Amanda dillon, United States, FL
08/13/2012 21:03:19
I love Chad Chad

douglas, United States, FL
08/13/2012 19:26:24
this is my nephew and he is my buddy i love my little guy so much hope he gets it

Jessica, United States, FL
08/13/2012 19:13:18
I also remember when you were pregnant with and had chad. You were so happy to be having him and that didnt change a bit when you were told he would have down syndrome. You grew up overnight to be able to care for and provide for him and you have truly been an awesome mother. You're love has brought him to be the strong and amazing little boy he is today. Im so proud of both of you and I sincerely hope you both get to see NYC. :)

shanda little, United States, FL
08/13/2012 18:58:09
wonderful child and mother!!! glad to be able to say i know you!!!

Crystal brown, United States, FL
08/13/2012 18:38:42
I REMEMBER WHEN YOU HAD HIM MICHELLE !!! HE'S GROWN INTO A HANDSOME YOUNG MAN :) YOU'RE SUCH A GOOD MAMA :)

Contact Us