This week in ‘Time of Our Lives’, we meet Down Syndrome Queensland’s (DSQ) newest board member, Tim Gillespie. An inspirational story about the importance of adapting and thriving, Tim and his wife Jenny speak to us about their journey through bringing Lachie into the world. While Tim is only a recent member of DSQ, he has long supported the organization, fundraising for and supporting Down Syndrome Queensland. Here, we explore Tim’s journey and his motivation behind his new position.
Tim and Jenny received the unexpected news that their son was to be born with Down syndrome 16 weeks into the pregnancy. While Tim initially went into “protector mode” and acted as a support for Jenny, it wasn’t until he received the ‘Expectant Parent’ pack from DSQ that he let his guard down and allowed himself to feel the grief. However, Tim recalls choosing to take the view of “this is our journey, and we are going to do the best we can,” allowing himself and Jenny to find hope in an unexpected situation. Tim’s love for his unborn son was evident in his decision to run the 2019 Bridge to Brisbane with the goal of raising $10 000 for Down Syndrome Queensland, with the knowledge that DSQ was going to be “Lachie’s partner for life”.
Two years later, Tim and Jenny are thriving in their lives with Lachie, having recently welcomed their newborn daughter, Matilda, into the family. While Tim accepts that a child having Down syndrome is challenging for any parent, he has advice for those who are struggling. Tim urges parents to “embrace the journey,” with the knowledge that “all parents experience the journey of bringing up a child”. Tim emphaises that “although the journey may have bumps or potholes, the road trip is is well worth it”. Encouraging parents to reach out to DSQ to begin the lifelong partnership with their child, Tim says he has “joined the board to make a difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome and their support networks”.
Through the advice, advocacy and educational programs offered by DSQ, Tim truly believes in the importance of parents embracing the challenge and welcoming DSQ’s support systems into the lives of their child.
DSQ aim to be the preferred point of contact for people with Down syndrome, their families, carers and the wider community. We provide support, expert advice, and quality services to help people with Down syndrome fulfil their potential.
For more information on DSQ’s Support Services contact us on (07) 3356 6655, email: office@downsyndromeqld.org.au or visit: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/qld