Father With Down Syndrome Broke Down Society's Misconceptions When It Came To His Son

There's the astonishing story of Jerry Windle. He's a gay, single man who no one expected him to become a father.

But Jerry managed to do just that and even raised a strong Olympian!

"Even folks who loved me said, you can’t be a dad if you’re going to be gay," he added.

"He was 2 years old but he was 16 pounds. I didn’t know if he would live or die," Jerry said. 

"I would make every sacrifice I could as a parent to get him every opportunity," he added. He's kept that promise.

He represented the U.S. Olympic Diving Team at the Olympics and became the first diver of Cambodian descent to compete in the Olympics. 

Jad Issa is a man with Down syndrome. But he hasn’t let that stop him from being the best father he could be. 

His son, Sader, fondly remembers a childhood full of lots of love. 

The family was accepted and supported by their local community in Syria, which helped.

Despite some limitations, Jad worked hard to help further his son’s education and career goals.

Being a good example of hard work and resilience is what inspired Sader to become a doctor.

"I think I would’ve been much less excited about life and much less passionate about what I do if I didn’t have my special father,” he wrote on Instagram.

This is one of the highest-paying jobs in Syria, where he lives. Amazing!

Speaking to Metro, Sader shared some of the comments his family frequently gets.

One of the most common is from people wondering how a person with Down Syndrome is able to get married.

"I believe if the two partners were on the same page then why not get married? They are intellectually suitable for each other; very simple but loving and caring people."

Jad is such a proud father of the man he raised.

Sader has said that his dad will tell people, “my son is a doctor” with a twinkle in his eyes. 

H/T: Metro