A Cavan couple have been awarded a prestigious human rights award by an Oireachtas grouping.
The 9th ‘Oireachtas Human Dignity Award’ was awarded to Sinéad Fidgeon, founder of The Perfect Gift, and her husband Martin McBreen, Chairperson of HUB 21, formerly’ Down Syndrome Centre North East’ in recognition of the humanitarian work they carry out on behalf of babies born with Down Syndrome
Sinéad says
“So many parents hear the words ‘I’m sorry’ after the birth of a baby with Down syndrome. There is often a lack of congratulations, and it can be a very overwhelming time for new parents. We even had people commiserate with us after Grace was born. I wanted in some small way to make sure every parent hears the words ‘congratulations’ and to say that their baby is just perfect.
“So, 10 years ago we delivered our first basket to a new baby in Crumlin hospital. The basket included beautiful gifts for the mum and baby as well as a personalised letter to say congratulations and to welcome them to the Down syndrome Community. We also invited them to our private online support group where they could connect with other new parents and get support. Right after we started we started hearing about more and more babies. We started driving all over the country to deliver baskets to new parents and to meet their perfect little ones. To date we have delivered over 1000 baskets to every corner of Ireland. I meet with many new parents as well as expectant parents and, while no one wants to sugar coat what challenges a child may have, it is also so important to stress the positives for which there are so many.”
Aontú Senator Sarah O’ Reilly who is a member of the Life and Dignity Group in Leinster House said
“The award is a happy occasion aimed at recognising exceptional people for their wonderful humanitarian work.
Recipients are a Hall of Fame of the best people Ireland has in terms of humanitarian work.
Sinead Fidgeon has delivered over 1000 precious gift baskets to babies born with Down Syndrome since her baby Grace was born on 2015.
Sinead was shocked at the lack of congratulations on the birth of her baby and whilst acknowledging there are challenges, she prefers to celebrate the positives by welcoming every new baby born in Ireland born with Down Syndrome by giving them a “Precious Gift” basket.
She drives all over the country delivering baskets and her work is now being copied in Australia.
Unfortunately, with screening, there has been a significant fall in the numbers of babies born with Down Syndrome, 95% of parents decide to terminate, with only 80 babies born oin2024”
“We really need to think about the narrative around Down Syndrome. Little babies born with Down Syndrome are not a burden ,they are not ‘imperfect; yes they will have challenges , their parents and families will have challenges but they are perfectly beautiful and a gift .It is so so fitting that Sinead has called her humanitarian work ‘The Perfect Gift ‘because it really is and I want to commend her and her Husband Brian for their compassion, their warmth and their love not only for their own gorgeous little girl ,Grace , but their love for other little people born with Down Syndrome.
As Legislators it is our duty to support people who face challenges. We need to make sure that sufficient help and services are available for people whose babies do have Down Syndrome. It is only through genuinely supporting people that we give them real choice”.
