Here's how I celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

I celebrate World Down Syndrome Day honoring my son Tomás, for the many gifts he has given me, and giving time and resources to several impactful organizations.

Since Tomás was born, my husband and I have been laser-focused on providing him with all the support he needs to achieve his dreams and live an independent, fulfilling and joyful life.  

When Tomás was young, it was relatively easy to have him included in various children's activities as the developmental gaps between him and typical peers were much smaller.  As he has grown, we have found a few organizations that do an amazing job of creating social, athletic and vocational opportunities for kids and young adults with developmental disabilities to have fun and interact with typical peers.

What makes each of these organizations special is that they fully embrace the reality that the benefits created through these interactions accrue to all involved – the differently-abled youth AND their typical peers.  These experiences enrich both groups – in different ways, certainly – but in truly transformative ways nonetheless.  

One of these organizations, Camp PALS, pairs campers with Down Syndrome one-on-one with typical peers for week-long summer camp experiences.  At the end of each Camp week, they have a closing ceremony during which selected camper/ counselor pairs get up and speak about their experiences. The ways in which the counselors describe how the week has changed their lives are incredibly powerful. One volunteer summed up their experience this way…

”I want people to know that there is hope that this world could be different. That we could live in a world that loves openly and deeply and fiercely. That we could be a people capable of loving all people despite all differences. I know that it is possible - because for a week, it was my reality”

I am always moved to tears during these ceremonies, as is most of the audience.  Imagine if every businessperson, teacher, coach, first responder and health care provider had a formative experience like this during their youth.  How would the world be different, kinder, more empathetic, better?  I know that I have become a better parent, better consultant/ board member, better mentor/friend and better human from having Tomás in my life.

I am personally deeply involved with four such organizations and would love for you to spend a moment or two learning about these amazing organizations and if so moved, supporting them in any way you can:

·      Camp PALS was started in 2004 by a 15-year-old girl who wanted her brother with DS to experience the same fun that she did at summer camp, and now serves more than 1200 individuals in 16 different cities. (www.palsprograms.org).  

·      The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh pairs typical teens with kids with developmental disabilities for a host of social programming, as well as providing leadership and vocational opportunities. (www.fcpgh.org). Right now, we are preparing for the 2023 Annual Gala which raises nearly30% of the operating budget for the year. Corporate sponsorships, silent auction items and donations are needed.  If you find yourself in the Pittsburgh area on May 21st, grab a ticket and see for yourself the power of this organization and their mission.

·      The Miracle League of the South Hills fields several baseball teams of differently-abled athletes and runs fall, spring and travel leagues.  Athletes are paired with typically developing buddies who help them physically and learn both sportsmanship and the rules of the game. In addition, they recently opened a concession stand which is staffed by the athletes themselves, supported by job coaches, providing opportunities to develop vocational skills while watching their friends swing for the fences.  (www.miracleleaguesouthhills.org).

·      The Next Step Programs, founded by one of Tomás’ counselors at Camp PALS several years ago, focuses their efforts on providing a variety of services and social opportunities for young adults with disabilities as they age out of the public school system. Learn more at www.tnsprograms.org

Join me in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day by sharing a smile with someone with DS that you encounter, taking a few minutes to learn about these great organizations or a making a donation to support them to fulfill their vitally important missions

‍

‍

‍

‍