Mother Wanted To Give Away Her Son With Down Syndrome To Foster Care, But His Dad Chose To Raise Him All On His Own

When a newborn arrives with Down syndrome, families often face fear, confusion, and a future they never expected. For one Russian father, though, that moment became the start of a very different kind of commitment.

Evgeny Anisimov was told his son Misha might have Down syndrome just after birth, and his wife was not ready to raise the baby. Instead of walking away, Evgeny chose to raise his son alone, learning everything he could while adjusting to life as a single dad.

His story has drawn attention because it is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and it shows how one father refused to give up on his child. Read on.

The ecstatic feeling after their child’s birth for this Russian family lasted 1 minute and 39 seconds. That is when the doctor said, “I fear that your baby has Down Syndrome.”

evgen_tyz

“I didn’t know what to do when I learned of the hypothesis that my son had Down Syndrome. I thought my task now was to turn off my emotions, ignite my thoughts, and support my wife because I believed it would be more difficult for her.

The results of the analysis were promised in a few days, and until then, I decided not to say anything to her,” Evgeny told the reporters.

evgen_tyz

“I remember that upon learning that my son has Down Syndrome, I left the hospital and cried, but not for long. Later, I felt a little embarrassed by those tears.

In my life, after all, nothing had changed in general. I still had two arms, two legs, and my professional knowledge had not gone anywhere. My determination, activity, curiosity, and so on, everything was still with me.

Everything happened as I had planned; my son was born. But the child is special; his life and future destiny are already very significant. And I’m here roaring! This is some kind of selfishness! Is it not fair? No, it is my responsibility. You wanted a child, so you took responsibility for it. After all, there are many options: autism, cerebral palsy, genetic mutations… And Down Syndrome is not the worst, as I learned later.”

Evgeny began researching Down Syndrome the same night his child was born.

evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz

“I started looking for information about the syndrome that same night when I returned home. I knew nothing about my son’s diagnosis. I only remembered a terrible photo from a Soviet biology textbook. I went online and researched.

I learned about Evelina Bledans and her son Semyon, who was born in the same maternity ward as Mishka. I discovered that in Europe, people with Down Syndrome are well-socialized and can live and work independently. However, the decision I had already made was not influenced by that.”

Leaving his son wasn’t an option for this dad, but his wife felt she wasn’t up to it.

evgen_tyz

“When I made the decision, I had not yet thought about the likelihood of an optimistic scenario. I thought: well, he’s going to enjoy the sunrise, I’m going to take him out for a barbecue, and he’s going to live his life.

Yes, maybe he seems unhappy to some, but he will have his own life. At no time did I think of leaving my son in an orphanage; that would be inhumane.”

evgen_tyz evgen_tyz

Evgeny and his wife soon separated, and he began his new life as a single dad.

evgen_tyz

“My wife and I had always had a good and trusting relationship. There were different periods, difficulties, lack of money, and separation. I am a kind person; I’m used to giving in to everything and adjusting.

Friends even ironically called me ‘dominated.’ But in this case, I was even ready for a conflict; I tried to convince her that we could overcome this situation. And the conflict separated us.”

evgen_tyz

Evgeny faced many challenges, but he never gave up, and he still gives his best to raise Misha.

evgen_tyz

“When a child is born, he asks the outside world: ‘Am I needed here or not?’ And I answer with certainty: ‘Son, you are needed!’ Being with him, even alone, is a normal act for a normal man. I emphasize, I am a normal man, not some kind of hero.”

That tough choice reminds us of the dad rehoming their family dog despite his daughter’s heartbreak.

evgen_tyz

“This has changed my life. I had a good job in Moscow, and this was a significant turning point in my career, but I couldn’t leave my son. He needed love and warmth.

I am an ordinary worker now, but I have a normal salary in my city. I lost my wife, but I am happy with the changes. My son is a very good and open kid, like every other child his age; he loves me, and it shows.”

evgen_tyz evgen_tyz

“I think routine is the most difficult thing for me. Every minute, I must do ordinary tasks, cooking food for my son, cleaning, giving him baths, and walking with him…

Every task might seem simple, but doing it every day is very challenging. My mother helps me, and I can have time for myself, which is very important.

I would advise all husbands to help their wives because although parenting is very interesting, it’s also very hard work.”

Evgeny organizes numerous activities to help his son’s mental and physical development.

evgen_tyz

“Misha has been attending swimming lessons every week since he was 5 months old. It’s expensive, but many people help us. We’ve also started speech therapy. I understand that the future might bring more issues, but I hope that we will be able to overcome everything.”

evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz

Evgeny aims to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and encourage families who face the same challenges.

evgen_tyz

“I want all the articles about Mishka and me that are being published now to convey that idea to society and instill it. I also want to support and inspire, through my example, those people who are or will be in the same situation as me.

I try to communicate with those who are within reach; I correspond with those who are far away. I hope that those who are facing difficulties now, as we did, read about us. Have no fear! Everything will be fine!”

evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz evgen_tyz

For another secret-turned-drama, see why this pregnant woman kept it from close friends.