Life
Mom celebrates 63rd birthday with son who doctors told her wouldn’t live past 11
It's a good thing she didn't listen to them because Joey is one happy 63-year-old.
Cherie Gozon
05.10.21

A child’s birth is a mother’s pride and joy.

Pexels|Jonathan Borba
Source:
Pexels|Jonathan Borba

To hold that baby that was inside you for nine months is now finally in your arms. And any mother would hope to give her child the best.

But for a doctor to tell a mom that her newborn won’t live that long can be heartbreaking.

Pexels|Ksenia Chernaya
Source:
Pexels|Ksenia Chernaya

For Barbara Jean Wittkugle, aka Bobbi, this was unacceptable. Her son Joey Wittkugle was born with Down Syndrome.

Joey was born on June 29, 1958. During this year, little was known about Down Syndrome.

According to CDC, Down Syndrome happens to someone when there’s an extra chromosome in their body. As a result, the child may have developmental delays compared to other kids. This can also change a baby’s appearance like a flattened face, Almond-shaped slanted eyes, short neck, and small ears.

Additionally, some more severe cases include hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, ear infections, eye diseases, and heart defects – something that some doctors way back believe may not give a child a fighting chance.

Pixabay|L21MediaStudio
Source:
Pixabay|L21MediaStudio

Doctors, like Bobbi’s, would usually say that a child with Down Syndrome will only live until they’re around 10 or 11.

Bobbi even recalled the doctor suggesting that she give Joey away.

“You have to put him away. He’ll never talk. He’ll never walk. He’ll never know who you are. He will live ‘til the age of 11, and that will be the end of him,” she said to WSPA.

We can only imagine how heartbreaking this was to hear for Bobbi.

Pexels|Mart Productions
Source:
Pexels|Mart Productions

But instead of heeding the doctor’s advice, she ran to her priest and heard the words she needed to hear.

“He said: ‘Bobbi, you were gifted by God; you were chosen by God to have this child. You can’t turn your back on him. When he leaves you, you will know the purpose of him coming to you’.”

And maybe the purpose was to show the world that Down Syndrome shouldn’t be looked down upon; that they need as much love and care for them to make it more years. Medical technology and discoveries also advanced through the years that disproved what doctors believe about Down Syndrome.

Joey turns 63 this year. Last year, however, he celebrated his birthday with lots of love.

YouTube|WKBN27
Source:
YouTube|WKBN27

Around a hundred vehicles paraded in front of the Wittkugle’s front yard in Struthers, Ohio, to celebrate Joey’s special day.

YouTube|WKBN27
Source:
YouTube|WKBN27

Family and friends nearby, a police cruiser, and even random people joined the parade to show Joey (and Bobbi) that he is loved and cared for by the community around him.

Joey can’t wipe the smile off his face the whole time!

YouTube|WKBN27
Source:
YouTube|WKBN27

Bobbi can’t help but shed some happy tears with all the love and support they poured on Joey since and up to today. She was emotional, saying that she hasn’t seen an outpour of love such as this.

YouTube|WKBN27
Source:
YouTube|WKBN27

She also has a message for everyone on how to deal with children like Joey, who has Down Syndrome:

“What I want people to try to understand is when you see one of our children, don’t turn your back; don’t stare at them like they did years ago. They are human. They are special children from God. And please learn to love them as much as they love you.”

This sends a strong message to have a more inclusive and understanding society.

YouTube|WKBN27
Source:
YouTube|WKBN27

We hope Joey will have another fantastic birthday this year as he turns 63 – another blessed year of defying the odds.

Cheers, Joey!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement