Mission
The mission of Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona is to educate and empower, but especially give hope to individuals who have Down syndrome so they may grow up to become independent self advocates.
About Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is the most common genetic birth anomaly occurring 1 in approximately every 691 births. Babies with Down syndrome can have medical challenges, nearly 50% have heart defects, intestinal and respiratory problems. They often have developmental delays, hearing and vision impairments and have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.
When children with Down syndrome are given proper medical treatment and educational opportunities, they can grow up to become happy, successful members of society who make our world a better place to live.
Our Story
Many of you may know our story, but others don't. Here are some highlights....
- I was not able to get pregnant without intervention, but thankfully it only took one month of fertility meds to succeed;
- I was considered medically "old" when I got pregnant with Jake;
- Ours was a birth diagnosis: there were no clear markers during my pregnancy and we opted not to have any testing done. Ultimately, we "didn't really care" if he was born with a diagnosis of any sort - we wanted to have a baby and there was nothing that would have changed that.
- Once we had his diagnosis, there was (and still is) a lot we didn't know. His pediatrician provided us with a LOT of information and was extremely supportive. Early Intervention through the state kind of helped. And then we met Gina Johnson from Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona and our lives have never been the same. All books purchased with these dollars will go to Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona.
- We wouldn't change Jake - or his diagnosis - for anything and are so thankful for the amazing families that his diagnosis - and this organization - has introduced us to!
Jake has been very healthy, and is incredibly intelligent, but he also has his share of delays and challenges. Books of all types have provided so much value for his speech, counting, color identification and so much more! I want to help put as many books as possible into the hands of people of all ages with Down syndrome - as well as their siblings - and need your help. My goal is to have these books in their hands before March 21st (Down syndrome Awareness Day), so now is the time to get started!
Goals
Every donation will help! I consider my goal to be low, but my hopes are very high! Once donations reach $250, Usborne Books & More will match the donations by 50% to help get even more books out there, so let's get it started. 3.21... GO!!!!
