I am retired Detective Daniel Sprague and my youngest boy Owen has Down Syndrome. When we were first diagnosed before he was born, it felt as if someone kick us in the chest. What helped us was the incredible support we received from our families and friends, one of which is my best friend Merritt Riley who a few years earlier came up with the idea of With Arms Wide Open. One night a couple of years after Merritt told me of the idea of the support group being formed from the inspiration of his son Aidan, I found myself sitting in his backyard discussing my new life, living and coping with a child with special needs. The next 4 months were difficult because of the unknown and amazing all at the same time, with the help of Merritt and Laura putting my mind at ease and starting up Merritt’s dream of With Arms Wide Open, I was able to experience first hand the benefits of opening up and talking to someone that is in my situation. After receiving a blessing from His Eminence Cardinal Dolan, he offered to Baptize Little Owen and continues to check up on Owen. On September 27, 2013, Owen was born wiping away all the remaining fears. He is truly perfect and a Blessing from God. Our first 3 plus years have been an experience to say the least, we have had to fight for what seems to be my son’s basic rights, to the absolute joy that comes over my sons face when he finally reaches one of his milestones. His Team ( the best team in the world ) is Amazing, they are so progressive thinking that it seems that Owen learns and overcomes something new each day. How my other three children have grown and how the are so comfortable, almost as if they were born to take care of a child with special needs. It is an honor to be able to pay it forward, as I received support in the begining I feel it is our duty to be there for our fellow MOS and anyone who maybe in need of a little help. We are blessed in so many ways from all of my children, friends, family, therapist, our parents and the Early success of this Amazing Group “With Arms Wide Open”
We are Always Here for One Another