CHOOSING TO STAY: THE DEVOTED FATHER RAISING A SON WITH DOWN SYNDROME

When Evgeny Anisimov walked out of the hospital in August 2018 following the birth of his firstborn son, Misha, he broke down in tears. Doctors had just informed him that the newborn likely had Down syndrome. Overwhelmed and knowing almost nothing about the condition, Evgeny spent that night reading everything he could find to understand what lay ahead.

When genetic tests confirmed the diagnosis, it triggered a devastating rift in his marriage. Misha’s mother felt unable to raise a child with special needs and believed institutional care was the best path forward. Unwilling to abandon his son, Evgeny refused. The couple ultimately divorced, leaving Evgeny to embark on a journey as a single father.

Determined to provide the best care possible, Evgeny took parenting classes, learned how to prepare bottles, and took parental leave. He eventually relocated from Moscow back to Volgograd to be closer to his mother for support, while a local organization connected them with donor mothers to provide breast milk during Misha’s first year.

Over time, Evgeny began documenting their daily life online. Despite the widespread praise he received, he repeatedly insisted he was no hero, but simply a father fulfilling his duty. Guided by a core psychological principle that every child needs to know they are wanted, his message to his son remained constant: “Son, you are needed.”

Years later, Misha thrived—attending kindergarten, working with specialists, and learning alongside his family. Reflecting on his past, Evgeny harbors no bitterness toward his former wife, recognizing that fear of the unknown drove her choice. He too was terrified, but he made the unwavering decision to stay.