Growing up, Helen Kottis shared a November birthday with not just one but two siblings. Which meant that most years, she also shared a birthday party with two siblings. “I did feel kind of cheated,” she recalls. “I’d think, ‘Why can’t I have my own special day?’ ” So when her own son was born [...]

Two days after her newborn son was diagnosed with Down syndrome, Maureen Rutkowski visited the hospital chapel to pray. “I told God, ‘OK, you brought me this little child, now bring me some joy,’” recalled the Ellicott City resident. Shortly afterward, she checked out of the hospital with mixed emotions and a million questions. But [...]

1 First, love and celebrate your child. Remember that your child is more like other children than unlike. People will take their cues from you. If you treat your child with love, respect and acceptance, so will others. 2 Call Infants & Toddlers or the comparable birth-to-3 early intervention program in your area, which provides [...]

Skiing, rock climbing, surfing — lots of active families love learning new sports together. But when one or more family members have a medical condition, it can limit what activities they can participate in. Except, that is, if you’re a member of the Cummings family of Cockeysville. In fact, instead of viewing mom Veronica’s multiple [...]