A New Zealand man whose wife walked out when she discovered their son had Down Syndrome has said that he is “stunned beyond words” at the public reaction to his appeal for help.
Samuel Forrest was left devastated when his Armenian wife issued him with an ultimatum following the birth of their first son, saying that she would leave him if he didn’t put the child up for adoption.
“This paediatrician walks out of the room with a little bundle — that was Leo. She had his face covered up and hospital authorities wouldn’t let me see him or my wife. When the doctor came out, he said ‘there’s a real problem with your son.”
Despite his health issues, Forrest was adamant that he wanted to keep Leo and one week later, the baby’s mother filed for divorce.
Forrest now plans to move back to his native New Zealand where his family will help to raise the little boy and concerned about the financial struggle ahead, he set up a page on Go Fund Me in the hopes of raising $60,000 towards Leo’s care.
In just ten days, the campaign has raised over $209,000 and the relieved father has said he is delighted at the “incredible love and support” shown to his family.
“Nine days after we started our campaign, Leo and I found out in the wee hours of morning that we had crossed our target! He is a lucky guy to have the support of thousands of friends like you around the world. Some of the additional funds that we have raised will be used to secure better living conditions in Auckland, and to give Leo higher quality opportunities when it comes to education – a good home and school cost money, but Leo will have all that and more, thanks to you,” he said.
“We will use some of the money you’ve given to fund facilities and programs here in Armenia that will support future parents to keep their kids despite all disabilities, and to help better care for the special ones who end up away from their Mom and Dad. We’d also like to share the surplus funds with the only orphanage in Armenia that regularly takes abandoned Down Syndrome babies as well as other organisations that can help these children, thanks to your support we can start to make a difference already.”
