Hello! My name is Robin Zaborek. My husband, Robert, and I have four children, two of whom have Down syndrome. I remember well the night we welcomed our son, Tom, into the world 20 years ago. We had no idea he would be born with Down syndrome, and at age 25, it was the last thing I ever expected. While I fell instantly in love with my baby boy, I still shed my share of tears. I realize now that I was in shock and I was afraid of the unknown future. I wasn't sure that I had what it took to raise a child with Down syndrome.

If I could have only known then what I know now: that everything was going to be OK! That we would be a happy family living in a home full of laughter. That this baby's typical siblings would think he's "awesome and hilarious." How could I have known back then, sitting frightened and tearful in that hospital bed, that Tom would end up being one of my favorite people on the planet? How could I have possibly known that this baby with the fuzzy cheeks and sparkly eyes would one day inspire a deep desire in my soul to adopt another child with Down syndrome? As I was sitting there reeling from the news, how could I have known that one day I would become a parent visitor for MHDSA and help new parents the way my own MHDSA visitor had helped me? I didn't dream back then that it would become my passion to make a difference in the lives of new parents just starting out on the journey.

Tom was such a wonderful child growing up. All those initial fears melted away as I got to know my little boy. He was funny, beautiful, stubborn, full of love, and my heart's delight. With two sons and a daughter (Tom as our middle child), there was never a dull moment in our house! Even so, over the years I began to long for a little girl with Down syndrome in my life. Imagine how thrilled I was when tiny Janet Kay joined our family through adoption eleven years ago! It was my dream-come-true. She came to us as a very sick, 4 pound newborn who just needed a family to love and nurture her. She had a rough road for a while medically, but today she is thriving and happy. Janet Kay is our family's treasure. We can't imagine our lives without her sweetness, and we are grateful every day that she found her way into our arms.

We all have our own unique life experiences. As Programs & Resource Manager, it is my goal to reach out to parents facing their child's diagnosis of Down syndrome - and to appreciate and respect each family's unique story. We have a committed, compassionate team of volunteers who make our new parent visits, and we provide each family with an up-to-date information packet. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and we strive to match new families up with others with whom they can readily relate.

We also offer small, neighborhood support groups so parents may meet with other parents to discuss the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome, form friendships with others who understand, and share local resources. At MHDSA, it is our pleasure to pave the way to make the journey as smooth as possible for the families we serve!