10/24/2026
When a Russian father learned that his newborn son had Down syndrome, his wife reportedly wanted to give the baby up. But he made a decision that would change both their lives forever.
In August 2018, Evgeny Anisimov welcomed his son Mishka into the world. Just moments after his birth, doctors suspected the baby had Down syndrome. Evgeny was devastated and broke down in tears, but he soon resolved to care for his son.
According to Evgeny, his wife felt unable to raise a child with Down syndrome and wanted to give him up. Evgeny refused. Their marriage eventually ended, leaving him to raise Mishka as a single father.
He took parental leave, learned everything about caring for a newborn, attended parenting classes, and dedicated himself to his son's development. With help from his mother and support organizations, he arranged swimming lessons, therapy sessions, and other activities to give Mishka the best possible childhood. Evgeny also began sharing their journey online, hoping to inspire other parents facing similar challenges.
Despite receiving widespread praise, he insists he is not a hero. He believes he is simply doing what a parent should do: loving and protecting his child. His message to his son was beautifully simple: "Son, you are needed."