My name is Christine Pietrow and I have a strong affiliation with Mt. Holly, a tiny town nestled in South Jersey. Being a resident for ten years, I am a part of the long history of neighborly hospitality and down home charm. My husband being a police officer, also provides his service for this wonderful community.
My husband Rich and I were given shocking news days after our third child was born; he had Down syndrome. Unaware of how this genetic disorder would affect us, we gathered family and friends together to ask for their support for anything that would come up. Within the first year of our child’s life, he was so often ill, that we would spend many nights rushing to the emergency room or spending days in the hospital. The Mt. Holly Police family stuck behind Rich and helped by switching shifts so he could go with his fragile son on days when it was crucial. The rest of the family was brought together to raise funds for all the hospital bills. We worked hard through therapy and doctors so that our son, Christopher Owen Pietrow (nickname COP for his initials) would develop healthy and happy as well as he could. We even gathered many friends and family to participate in the New York City Buddy Walk for the National Down Syndrome Society to raise funds for a cause that meant so much to us.
Five and a half years later, Christopher is doing well and developing well. He even has the ability to use sign language and is walking and playing as he should. He is the light of anyone who knows him, and I was given the honor of being his mother. Now my goal is to help him grow up to honor everything he is . . . God’s gift.
I have begun the Our Little Hero, COP Buddy Walk in honor of my son. We have gathered together to embrace a cause that is close to our hearts and offer a day of gathering together to raise funds, share information, and celebrate our solidarity.