Jenetta Thomas Founder and Executive Director of Hearts in the Park

I am the Mother to two daughters. My oldest daughter is an all-around athlete, honor student, active in church & the community. She was my first child, so there was a lot of excitement surrounding her birth. She got it all! Things on the other hand were quite different surrounding the birth of my youngest. 

Pregnancy this time around was considered high risk as there were multiple concerns noted with our health. Early on, my doctor recommended that I end the pregnancy. She explained that my baby would experience a lot of challenges and have a low quality of life, so termination was going to be the best option. Knowing that wasn’t the right decision for me, I found a new physician, leaned into my faith and birthed one determined little girl!
 
The day of my baby’s birth was also quite different in comparison to that of my first born. A diagnosis had not yet been confirmed, but being a Nurse by profession, I knew the very moment they handed her to me she had Down syndrome. Soon after delivery entered a team of medical students in white lab coats as the lead physician examined her like she was there for inspection. Lifting her, turning her over... lots of whispering about her hands, eyes, ears, the padding on the back of her neck… I could hear it all and remember feeling so defeated. I knew she had Down syndrome, but I wasn't sure why they wanted to keep this piece of information from me.   

Genetic testing was done and our diagnosis was confirmed; my baby has Down syndrome. Then (aside from close family and friends) began the never ending flow of “I’m sorry's.”  I couldn’t understand why people were so sad and apologetic because my baby had Down syndrome. As a Nurse I had taken care of children with Down syndrome before, so I was prepared for the medical needs,  but nothing could have prepared me for being a parent of a child with a disability. As I look back, I realize I had to advocate for my daughter's chance at life before she was born, on the day of her birth, and the need for advocacy continues daily. My first physician was rignt; there ARE a lot of challenges. Hospital stays ,surgeries, therapies, and school to name a few.  My oldest daughter described it as an obstacle course when she was younger. Whatever challenge or obstacle that may arise, it's just that. It doesn’t cause us to stop or lose focus, instead we may have to use an alternative route to get where we are going. It might take her longer to reach a goal, and sometimes she may not quite achieve it according to typical standards;  but the determination within pushes her to do her best. For this reason I  celebrate her achievements and support her in whatever it is she wants to be. This, is the spirit of Hearts in the Park.                   
                                                                                                                                                                  
As a parent of a child with a disability, I have experienced how mean people can be toward a person for just being who they are. I have seen  how inconsiderate and downright rude the world can be toward those with a disability. One of my daughter’s favorite things to do is to play in the park. It wasn’t until I had an experience at a park where a Mom told her children not to play with my daughter because of her differences. She even took it a step further and gathered her children to leave the playground. Thankfully, this is an experience that my daughter will never remember, but it’s one I will never forget. From that experience I realized  education for the “park” is key.  

As a result of inspiration from my daughter, support from family, friends, and my network of colleagues & professionals; I have channeled my frustrations to the creation of Hearts in the Park! My Nonprofit Organization and Dream toward making the community a better place for youth and young adults with a physical, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disability. I am thankful that all of our experiences aren’t negative ones. I hold tight to the times that we feel the love from people who are willing to learn from and support the needs of people with a disability.  

The development of Hearts in the Park has been a journey that until recently I never realized I was on.  I’m in the midst of one of those full circle moments and realization of fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. Amazing things happen when you find yourself doing exactly what you were created for.

 Come and be a part of the dream; I’m so happy to share it with all of you!