Bjelovar Woman Ana Founds Down Syndrome Association
Ana Artuković, mother of a child with Down syndrome, recently registered the Down Syndrome Association BBŽ. Her goal is to create a supportive community and fight the prejudice they face daily.
Ana Artuković, mother of a child with Down syndrome, recently registered the Down Syndrome Association BBŽ. Her goal is to create a supportive community and fight the prejudice they face daily.
Almost six years ago, immediately after the birth of her son Ivan, Ana Artuković made a decision that would mark her life. "As soon as Ivan was born, one of my first thoughts was that I had to start an association in my city," this Bjelovar native with a Zagreb address told Klikni.hr. That idea recently came to fruition with the registration of the Down Syndrome Association BBŽ in Bjelovar.
The path to founding the association was not easy, but Ana emphasizes that a strong desire was key. "I wouldn't say it was too hard, but when you consider that you're venturing into something you know very little about, it took a lot of effort. However, I had the will, and I believe that will eased all the difficulties I encountered," she said. She expressed special gratitude to her friends who provided immense help and support.
Her family was her greatest pillar of strength. "My husband knew I would see it through. Parents are parents, always caring and warning me along the way to watch out for a hundred things, but thank them. It means a lot to have a strong support behind you," she added.
The founder has a clear vision of what she wants to achieve. "I want us to have a community. I want our children, and us parents, like everyone else, to have not just an address, but a place where we go happily and joyfully, a place where we feel we belong," Ana explained. Her ultimate goal is to work together for the happiness and future of the children.
Ana also shared painful experiences of other mothers who testify to deeply rooted prejudices. Some have heard: "People with Down syndrome just hug and laugh" or "They are angel children and very good." Yes, they are, but they also have tantrums like other children, sometimes even worse. Particularly devastating are statements like a neighbor asking where the mother "picked up that Down, was it in the hospital," and blaming the mother for giving birth "at 38 years old."
To all parents who have just received the diagnosis, Ana sends an encouraging message. "There's no room for panic. You will have a child you'll need to work with much more, but that child will ease all the weight of it. That Down syndrome gives you back much more than you put in. Just take it slow. Today, children with Down syndrome have the chance to live happy and fulfilling lives," she urged.
She also stresses how crucial mutual support is. "Support is everything. Support lifts you, nourishes you, and pushes you forward. It's very, very hard if you're alone in everything and have no one behind you," she said, adding that parents sometimes just need someone to listen without judgment.
The association's first goal is to gather as many members as possible. They plan to work on supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their parents through sports, socializing, and workshops. "To include them in society... to find a place under the stars for them. They also have the right, among other things, to go for coffee, a trip, pizza, or a walk with friends," Ana emphasized.
She believes that people with Down syndrome can teach society invaluable lessons. "They can give everyone a few important life lessons. Especially in today's world where patience has become a rarity and empathy a foreign word," she said. She highlighted unconditional love, joy in small things, acceptance of diversity, and incredible strength and perseverance as key lessons.
"In fact, I believe our society desperately needs people with Down syndrome to create some balance and remind us all of fundamental human values," Ana concluded.
Anyone wishing to support the association's work or join can contact Ana via the official Facebook page, at 091 234 5602, or by email at [email protected].
