"This is Joey. He’s 3.5 years old. When Joey was 9 days old, we were given some unexpected news - Joey has Down syndrome. When I was pregnant all I wished for was a healthy baby. So obviously our biggest concern was Joey’s health. Approximately half of all infants born with Down syndrome have a heart defect. Joey has a form of tricuspid valve disorder. Thankfully, everything is functioning properly and there’s been no need for surgery. He also had to be on supplemental oxygen and a monitor for mild obstructive sleep apnea, as well as medication for hypothyroidism. However, although he still needs to be monitored by his doctors, he's currently on absolutely NOTHING! I can't explain in words how it felt to see him come off of everything. We were simply overcome with emotion. My wish had been granted. I have a healthy and happy boy! Today, like most boys his age, Joey loves superheroes, trucks, books, the iPad, going to preschool, exploring outside, and getting down to some good music. To us, our life feels pretty normal. Actually, our life feels pretty awesome! By sharing our story we hope to help new parents that may be struggling with their child's Down syndrome diagnosis. We want to help turn that fear into hope; to turn that anger into joy. We want to show that life with Down syndrome is a life worth living. So that's why Joey wears the Down syndrome awareness necklace - to show that there is nothing down about Down syndrome!" @gettingdownwithjoey
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"Danielle is one exceptionally busy young lady. When she’s not serving as an Ambassador for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, working at DSRF’s front desk, or winning medals in multiple Special Olympics sports including softball and rhythmic gymnastics, she can often be found walking the aisles of Loblaw City Market – her workplace of four-and-a-half years. She makes her way around Vancouver by herself using the transit system, and returns home each night to her apartment where she lives semi-independently. Danielle is a wonderful example of the incredible things individuals with Down syndrome can achieve. She is an active and productive member of the community who is living a full and fulfilling life. Danielle is a graduate of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, which works to empower all individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential – just like Danielle! Her Down syndrome A.W.A.R.E. necklace is a visible reminder that people with Down syndrome should be included in all aspects of life and society." @dsrfcanada
]]>"Down syndrome advocacy and awareness is extremely important to me. When Charlie was born, we had no idea she had an extra chromosome and honestly we didn't know a thing about Down syndrome and what it would mean. Having the doctor's deliver her diagnosis unenthusiastically didn't help either. Now, after living with Down syndrome and being apart of such an amazing community for the past four years I know better. I know that my daughter is literally more alike than she is different and I wouldn't change her even if I were given the chance. Awareness is so important because other people who aren't familiar with Down syndrome (like I once was) should know that Down syndrome isn't synonymous with excluded and it doesn't mean "less than". We should embrace everyone who is differently abled and strive to get to know them in the same manner that we do other typical individuals." @charlies.way
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