People 'automatically go to a place of sympathy' when they hear Down syndrome
Twins Chloe and Sophia Hayes, both aged two, beam with delight after showing off their new standing skills — made even better by big rounds of applause. Picture: Chani Anderson
“There’s nothing wrong with my babies. My babies are perfect.”
This was the reaction of seven-year-old Corey Hayes, after one of his classmates expressed "sympathy" for the fact that Corey's identical twin sisters, Chloe and Sophia, have Down syndrome.
The children's mother Danielle says some people still express 'sympathy' when they see people with Down syndrome and she is surprised about the lack of public awareness among some.
"Sometimes when certain people hear about Down syndrome, they automatically go to a place of sympathy," she said.
"This was obviously something this child had picked up on. Corey was wondering why someone would feel the need to say sorry for his sisters. He dotes on them.
Danielle said: "Sometimes people have the wrong idea about Down syndrome, but there is nothing to ever be sorry about.”
Despite battling serious health issues since their birth, Chloe and Sophia Hayes — who turn three in September — are now thriving beyond expectations.
To date, the family has helped to raise €10,000 for the Down Syndrome Centre in Cork. The facility provides vital early intervention services to young children with Down syndrome and their families, many of which Chloe and Sophia have directly benefitted from.
Before preparations get underway to start pre-school in September, the toddlers are busy promoting this year’s Challenge 21 fundraiser. The event will take place on Sunday, June 15, at 10am in Haulbowline with a 21km run, jog, or walk to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
As well as highlighting the event, the twins' parents Danielle and Philip are sharing their story to help new parents of children with Down syndrome and increase awareness.
Danielle, who lives in Carrigaline, spoke about how far her daughters have come since their birth at Cork University Hospital on September 5, 2022.
She recalls the myriad of emotions she felt after learning her babies had Down syndrome during pre-natal scans.
“We got the harmony tests back, and it confirmed that it was Down syndrome," she said.
"I had no issue with the babies having Down syndrome. What I was thinking of was all the health conditions this might entail.
"I was asking myself: 'What if these babies have these conditions and what if they die?'
"When I get news like this, my mind always goes to the worst-case scenario," she added.
During Danielle's pregnancy, medical complications were a huge source of concern for the parents.
“It was at our 20-week scan that they noticed something was missing with the hearts," she said.
"Within a few days, we were up in Dublin to see the cardiologist in the Coombe [Hospital]. She was fantastic. There was no medical jargon. She drew us pictures of what a healthy heart might look like.
"Chloe had a ventricular septal defect, which meant she had a hole in her heart. We were told there was a chance that this could close by itself.
"If this didn’t happen by the time she was four months, they would have to do open heart surgery
"Then they showed us an image for Sophia. In her [heart], the hole looked much bigger and there was more of them. For Sophia, she would 100% need [surgery].
"However, they thought it would be best to wait between four and six months as the mortality rate is much lower when they are at a certain weight and age," Danielle added.
Once strong enough, Sophia underwent open heart surgery in the Coombe in March 2023. Two years on from that and the girls are thriving.
“Chloe is very outgoing. I would describe her as a real rogue," Danielle said.
"If you saw her, she would be putting her arms out straight to you to give you hugs and kisses
"She is also very determined. Sophia is very loveable, but she is going to suss you out until she’s comfortable. I love that they have each other. It makes it easier knowing that they’ll be starting pre-school in September together.
“The twins communicate using some of the Lámh signs. Corey has even stood up in front of the class to teach the other kids in his class the signs," she added.
Danielle says the Down Syndrome Centre has played a hugely supportive role in their lives.
“If I was to go privately, I could be paying €100 per session — but it’s so subsidised, I’m only paying €25.
"Everyone talks about the importance of early intervention and helping people succeed from the beginning. If I had to seek these supports privately, I would never have been able to do that.
"We could be up there once a week and the girls love it up. It’s a support for the parents as much as it is for the kids. They have had 20 session each between speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
"You get the session and then wait four to six weeks to implement these things. It’s an absolute godsend because you can do the best you can as a parent, but you need the experts on hand to help.”
The family is excited as the girls get ready to take their first steps.
“At the moment they are not walking," Danielle said.
"They tend to bum shuffle on the concrete because crawling hurts — so we’re going through a lot of ripped trousers.
"It’s natural that there would be a delay with Down syndrome. It’s going to take that bit longer for them to get walking. My hope is that, by next September, they will running around with the other children in their pre-school.”
- Tickets for this year’s Challenge 21 event are available on Eventbrite.
- This article was originally published on May 21, 2025.
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