Tab Article

In this heartfelt and inspiring memoir, Dr. Shaji Thomas John recounts a pivotal moment in his medical career that transformed his personal and professional journey. Set in the mid-1990s, the story begins with the visit of an infant suffering from a respiratory infection—who, upon examination, is also found to have Down syndrome and congenital heart disease. Unsure of the mother’s awareness and lacking formal training in counseling, the young doctor delivers routine care and asks her to return after a week. The follow-up conversation, however, leaves a lasting impression. When the mother—already aware of her child’s diagnosis—asks a haunting question, “Why are all the doctors so cruel?”, it shakes the doctor to his core. Her emotional response, “This condition may be 1 in 800 for you, but it is 100% for me,” resonates deeply, especially as Dr. John reflects on his own daughter, Tina, who also has Down syndrome. This moment becomes the catalyst for change. Recognizing the urgent need for better awareness, support, and compassion, he goes on to establish the Down Syndrome Trust (DoST) in 2000. Since its inception, the trust has transformed the lives of over 1,500 children with Down syndrome, empowering families and reshaping medical attitudes. This moving narrative traces one doctor's evolution from clinical detachment to passionate advocacy, offering a powerful message of empathy, resilience, and hope. Remarkably, the infant from that pivotal consultation now shines as a professional model and calendar girl—a testament to what understanding and support can truly achieve.