Yes, that is a strange title to a blog post. And many of you will think that this is a very out of character post for BJP because the essence of it is to ask people for money. And that is something we have never done before.
When I wrote this post last year, I had no idea that one of our writers would be facing this dilemma. It was simply a post that was weighing on my heart at the time, most likely because there was a young woman at my church that has Down Syndrome and I had been observing her for some time. She brings such joy to anyone that she is around. And when I saw that the Democratic Presidential nominee supported Planned Parenthood in their goal to abort children that had Down Syndrome, I was appalled.
Greg Degeyter has been a long time pro-life advocate. He has written many draft bills for pro-life politicians and lobbies for this cause every chance he gets. If you read his posts, you can’t escape his passion for the unborn. Greg and his wife Rochelle have been chosen by God to raise a young man with Down Syndrome. Their boy was born two days ago and his parents named him Kenshin Paul Degeyter.
What a beautiful baby. As is typical with children that have Down Syndrome, Kenshin will need extra medical care. And even though Greg and Rochelle do have insurance, they will be facing huge medical bills beyond what their insurance covers. I was touched by this comment from Greg on Facebook about Kenshin:
Thank you for the support in this trying time. Have been getting questions regarding Kenshin’s health. He was born with Down’s Syndrome and a deuodonial atrisia. While doing surgery to correct the atrisia the surgeon discovered another area that was thought to be an obstruction but turned out to be Hirschspring’s disease. We are awaiting biopsy results to know what the next step is. We know one more surgery just have to see what type. After that we get to make an as normal as possible life for our little angel.
Greg’s friends encouraged him to set up a GoFundMe account to help with the expenses. I’m glad he chose to do that because it gave me an opportunity to help Kenshin’s parents as they guide him along the path into becoming the awesome person that I know God intends for him to be. Will you join me? You don’t have to be rich to make a difference in this young man’s life. Any amount you are able to give will let his parents know that they are not alone in this journey, that we will be there to help them.
David Vargha says
Done. Sharing on FB.
Greg Degeyter says
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this post David.
Joe Pojman, Ph.D. says
This is a very touching story. I am grateful you posted it.
In 2015 the Texas Legislature passed the Down Syndrome Information Act, HB 3374, by Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) and Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr (D-Brownsville). That bill requires physicians to provide to parents of an unborn child diagnosed with Down Syndrome a state created brochure that gives accurate information about Down Syndrome. A floor amendment by Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) assures that the information does not promote abortion.
Here is the brochure: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=8590004420
The goal of the bill is to reduce the number of unborn babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome who die from elective abortion. That bill was a top priority of my organization, and it was supported by the leadership in the Legislature — Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Speaker Joe Straus.
Joe Pojman, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Texas Alliance for Life
Greg Degeyter says
Thank you for the information. It still amazes me that this bill passed, but a similar bill for FASD has failed twice. Perhaps that is something the various right to life organizations can cooperate on for the next session.
Daniel James says
Kenshin and your family are in our prayers. I am hoping we will get updates via go fund me.
Greg Degeyter says
As trying as this time is I recognize this trial is a blessing. This is an opportunity to become more involved with assisting those with disabilities in need of assistance.
I am writing a primer on how those with Down Syndrome can apply for disability and expedite the process without assistance to give to the genetics team at the hospital so they can modify their family letter to track Social Security requirements. It’s against my financial interests to do so since it reduces the potential client pool, but it is the right thing to do. The team and I will coordinate after Kenshin is released to generate primers for other conditions.
What other actions do y’all think would be helpful?