By Cern Basher
Dane was born in July, 1999 with 22q13 Deletion Syndrome, although he didn't receive this diagnosis until May, 2004. 22q13 Deletion Syndrome is a rare genetic anomaly caused by the absence of genes at the tip of the long-arm of the 22nd chromosome. There is a wide range of severity of symptoms in people with the deletion, but most exhibit moderate to severe physical and intellectual developmental delays and lack the ability to communicate easily. A special analysis called "Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)" was required to confirm the presence of the deletion.
Our son Dane is an amazing boy. While he is not yet able to speak or walk independently, he has so many abilities. Dane fills a room with his laughter, making everyone happy. He is affectionate, freely giving long hugs to those in need. He's learning to walk, swim, ride a bike and ride a horse; all things that exhaust and challenge him. He loves to eat lots of healthy food. If you put your plate within arms reach, he will enjoy your food too!
Dane burns off all the calories by watching sports on TV. He gets so excited by a good game of football, basketball, soccer, hockey, etc, that he works up quite a sweat and stays in trim shape. He also likes to read books; not just any books mind you, but he prefers Dr. Seuss. Dane jabbers a lot (vowel sounds only) when he is excited. While this often disturbs other patrons at restaurants, these folks seem to take it in stride. He likes riding in the car and listening to music. Dane's easy going personality has taught us to slow down and enjoy our family and friends. We are so very lucky to have him in our lives.
In Tanzania, in the local Wachagga dialect, the name of the mountain is Kilima-Ngiaro, meaning the 'journey which has no ending.' This is the journey that Dane bravely faces. Dane has inspired his grandfather, our friends Wendy and Dan, and me to do this climb and push ourselves to achieve heights we’ve never obtained. If Dane can put in so much effort each and every day, then we can certainly climb this mountain. We have no lack of motivation. Our motto for the climb is 'Do it for Dane'. And, we will.
 Dane Laughing - March 2006
Dane Rides a Horse for the First Time - March 2006
Dane Rides a Horse - Six Weeks Later - April 2006
Dane Communicates at Mealtime - July 2006
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| New Born Dane - July 1999 |
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| Dane and Cern - Summer 2000 |
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| Dane cruises in his walker - Summer 2001 |
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| Dane works hard at the Perlman Center - Fall 2001 |
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| Dane rides his trike - Summer 2002 |
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| Having fun in Canada - Summer 2003 |
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| Dane races in the Flying Piglet - Spring 2004 |
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| Dane sings with other children in Alabama - Spring 2005 |
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| Dane dreams of the mountains - Summer 2005 |
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| Dane enjoys racing - Spring 2006 |
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| Family Paddle - Summer 2006 |
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| Dane enjoys the pool - Summer 2006 |
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| Our Superman - Summer 2006 |
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| Dane rides his bike - Summer 2006 |
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| Dane rides his horse - Fall 2006 |
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