Choosing to Be the Good: A Story of Resilience, Faith, and Family – By Kathleen Cousineau

I have always believed in being the good I wished to see in the world. Fifteen years battling infertility, I poured myself into helping others, creating small ripples of change even when life felt heavy. Then, I was blessed with boy-girl twins. They were born at 34 weeks and spent several weeks in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Soon after, I pushed for genetic testing for our son due to family history. The wrong test was ordered, revealing a 16p11.2 chromosomal deletion associated with Autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disability. Further testing confirmed Stickler syndrome, affecting his eyes, ears, joints, and palate, along with torticollis.

We immediately began stretching, exercises, daily learning routines, and Early Intervention. His diagnosis required specialists 3.5 hours away. Travel was dangerous due to limited car seat tolerance and his recessed jaw. Meanwhile, I learned my insurance underpaid; I was already $15,000 in debt from fertility labs. I missed work for therapies/appointments. Early Intervention providers couldn’t cross the state line to serve us. Bills piled up, our insurance became out-of-network for his specialists, forcing long-distance care. With no family support, I traveled alone for surgeries while their dad stayed with their sister.

When the twins were just seven months, I was pregnant again. Our youngest son was hearing impaired with a complete cleft palate, another diagnosis of Stickler syndrome. Child care for children exceeded $20,000 yearly, and therapies were unaffordable. Our oldest was diagnosed with Autism, yet we still didn’t qualify for assistance. An attorney advised quitting my job and applying for disability benefits so the boys could receive insurance. Leaving my career was heartbreaking. My children continued to progress through therapy/surgeries.

Despite ongoing medical needs/financial strain, my children are miracles, my greatest achievements. Every sacrifice has been worth it. I will always strive to be the good I wish to see.