Father forced to choose between wife, newborn son with Down syndrome
ARMENIA — A New Zealand father whose wife abandoned their infant son because he was born with Down syndrome has decided to raise the child as a single dad, according to a fundraising page.
Leo Forrest was born on January 21st in Armenia to an Armenian mother and a father, Sam Forrest, from New Zealand. According to a Go Fund Me page set up by Sam, shortly after Leo’s birth, his mother and her family abandoned him because of societal norms in Armenia.
With no money and in a foreign land, Sam set up a Go Fund Me page to send him and Leo back to New Zealand where they could give Leo the care he needs. The Go Fund Me page went viral -- and as of Friday afternoon had raised more than $325,000.
Sam posted the following note on the page:
Thanks everyone – we are stunned beyond words at the incredible support & love you’ve shown for little Leo.
9 days after we started our campaign, Leo and I found out in the wee hours of morning that we had crossed our target! He is a lucky guy to have the support of thousands of friends like you around the world.
Some of the additional funds that we have raised will be used to secure better living conditions in Auckland, and to give Leo higher quality opportunities when it comes to education – a good home and school cost money, but Leo will have all that and more, thanks to you.
We will use some of the money you’ve given to fund facilities and programs here in Armenia that will support future parents to keep their kids despite all disabilities, and to help better care for the special ones who end up away from their Mom & Dad. We’d also like to share the surplus funds with the only orphanage in Armenia that regularly takes abandoned Down Syndrome babies as well as other organisations that can help these children – thanks to your support we can start to make a difference already.
Thanks again for your care and generosity!
For more information on how to donate to Leo, CLICK HERE.
Credit: Bring Leo Home GoFundMe page