YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! You all rock! I mean it!!! I have been doing this Comments for a Cause for 3 months now and each month I have gotten more comments. My promise is to donate 50 cents for each valid comment on my blog throughout the month . Now if you are a blogger you know about “non-legitimate” comments. Those are ones that either say “my cousin sent me to your site” or “right on, man. You nailed this one” or other such gobbley gook! But this month I had a total of 210 comments on my blog so a total of $105.oo will be winging its way to Meals on Wheels!!! What a great thing that is!! If you figure an average meal costs $5 each that will be……yea—about 21 meals provided!!! Yippee!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
And now what you all have been waiting for!!!! For July’s charity I will donate 50 cents for each legitimate comment to the National Down Syndrome Society!!! (www.ndss.org) As many of you know I have a brother in law–Carlton–who has Down Syndrome. One of the fondest memories I have of Carlton was the first time I met him. He was 9 years old when Chris took me home to meet the family for the first time. He neglected to tell me that I was going to meet the ENTIRE family—-grandparents, siblings, aunts, etc. Well, on a trip in the car during this event time Carlton proceeded to “marry” us in the backseat complete with “Kiss the bride” ! I guess he knew early on that it was going to work!! Carlton is the life of the party and loves all things “Grease” and “Power Rangers” and “Dynasty”. There is never a dull moment when he is around and I am thrilled to honor him by making a donation to the National Down Syndrome Society in July .
Carlton and Chris and friend at Sam’s Club where Carlton works !!!
So comment like crazy—-I love them and I love ya’ll for showing up to the comment party! And to let you know a few facts here they are taken from the National Down Syndrome Society website: (Oh and YOU ARE WELCOME for the song headache today! )
• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.
• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
• Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.
86 Comments
Leave a commentWow! Good for you Beth Ann!! That is wonderful. I’m so pleased to hear how much you raised!!
Great group for the month of July! Lets see how many more you can get this month.
Your shout outs really helped the cause. I am having fits with WordPress today tho. Not sure if it is it or my internet connection here in Ohio. Whichever it is I wish it would fix itself because it is frustrating!!! ARGH!!!
That is AWESOME!!! And Thank YOU for letting us be part of it.
Sendie-Lou–I am so grateful to YOU, my bloggy friend!!!
Great work you’re doing, Beth Ann. I’m with Sendie-Lou, thanks for letting us participate.
Oh, I forgot, thanks for the song! LOL
You are soooo welcome! May your song headache continue well into the night!!!:-)
That’s great your comment total is rising! Mine dropped some but I think it’s because summer has arrived and I’m getting less traffic. I had 3 less than you but still am happy with that. Will continue to support you in July with my comments.
Thanks, Karen!!! I was excited!!! it is such a fun thing to get comments and even better now that I have a reason to get them!!! Woo hoo!!!
Since I have known Carlton I am especially interested in your explanation of Down Syndrome and hope you get lots of comments. It is a great cause to support.
Thank you, Mother!!! He is a trip, that is for sure!!! Our family would not be the same without him!!! Hugs!
Awesome Beth Ann! I used Meals on Wheels many years ago when I was caring for my Dad and it is a great organization. I really love your idea of Comment for a Cause and hope you get tons for July! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
They are a wonderful organization! I have volunteered over the years in a variety of ways including having a bunch of church kids make goodie bags to be sent along with the meals! It was a great activity and both the kids and the recipients loved it!!! Thanks for the comments!!!
Bravo to you and all your comment contributors who have enabled such a nice big contribution to Meals on Wheels! Good luck on the next round, too. I have a godson with Down Syndrome, a wonderful, loving guy!
Thanks, Ann!!! I was very pleased this month so we will see how July goes! I will have to come up with some great blog topics!!! 🙂
My son, Luke is 5 and has Ds–he is our joy boy!! Thanks for raising money for such a worthy cause! I’ll repost your blog on Facebook. I have a website created to give encouragement to new or prospective parents of a child with Ds. http://www.alifeworthliving.us
I am very excited that you stopped by!!! How did you find me???? I am just thrilled to be able to do this Comment for a Cause thing and it has been such a great eye opener for me. I truly believe that children born with Down Syndrome are gifts from God and I love your “joy boy” phrase. I am going to stop by your website to check it out. Thanks again, so much!!!! And the comments don’t have to be limited to just this month—they can be on any post I have done so comment away!!! I have had a lot to say over the past 3 years! LOL Thanks again!!!
Beth Ann it is so wonderful what you are doing with the charitable donations. May I suggest that you look into the charity http://www.giftsfromtheheartfordowns.org
They are a charity that I am actively involved in that grants wishes/needs to children and adults with Down Syndrome.
I am so happy that you found me!!! I am going to keep track of all of these great websites and other charities and make a list to be posted later on. Thank you SO much! Spread the word!!! I would love to share!!!!
Gabriel is 3 years old and was born with Ds. I heard about this through facebook. Your webpage is being passed around from parent to parent right now! Thank you raising money for NDSS! It means a lot to us parents. Please feel free to check out our daily life on our blog at http://gabrielupdates.blogspot.com/ . I am excited to pass your website along. Keep up the great work. I have been browsing your blog, keep up the great work!
Erin, Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by! I think I have hit the right “community” with this Comments for a Cause this month! I am going to go check out all your blogs, websites, etc. as they get told to me, make a list and publish them in a later blog! Please spread the word–more comments means more donations and more awareness!!! Can’t wait to check out Gabriel—I know she is a sweetie!!!!
I have a 5 year old son, Caleb, with Trisomy 21. He is an athlete and an academic genius. (Reading at age 4 by sight & phonetically). Not to mention that he is physically beautiful with sparkling blue eyes and a polished smile.
Caleb is an independent thinker, a free spirit and needs absolutely no external validation. He is the kind of person who changes the world because the world can’t change him. He knows exactly who he is and loves himself as much as he loves everyone else (except barking dogs). He loves waking up every morning and we love watching him wake up every morning. His favorite things are his dad, Curious George, the American Flag, books, balls, reading and riding his horse (whose name of course, is George).
Please note that I did not say that Caleb has “Down Syndrome”, because he does not. A “syndrome” is a “list of symptoms”. I understand how powerful our words are and I WILL NOT claim a “list of symptoms” over my child.
When the hospital pediatrician hands your precious little darling newborn to you and says, “I think we need to do a full chromosomal work-up – he has some markers for Down Syndrome,” – – – “Down” does not even come close to the spiral you fall into . . . However, It turns out that “Down” does not describe the condition of your child, but the name of the doctor who first described the condition. In 1866 Dr. John Langdon Down linked a group of physical and mental characteristics together and called it “Down Syndrome”. Almost a century later in 1956 it was discovered that the common physical link between the children/adults who had this syndrome was an extra chromosome, the 21st to be exact, in their DNA.
Almost a a half century after that, geneticists, parents, researchers and scientists in general are figuring out how to counter-act the effects of the 300 genes that are found on the extra 21st chromosome. We know enough, now, through information gathered from years of Trisomy 21-related and unrelated research, that we can better help the owners of these Designer Genes to reach the same potential as any other baby handed to their beaming new parents.
So, PLEASE, can we STOP claiming a ‘syndrome’ over our loved ones? Let’s get a movement, a revolution, started to describe our family members and friends as they truly are – – – Let’s PLEASE just call them by their names and proclaim that they are “Trisomy 21 Overcomers”.
I am grateful for your passionate post and comments about your son and his Trisomy 21. Quite honestly I have never heard it referred to as that so you are helping to educate me. I did know that it was named for the doctor who described the condition and I think it was so named to give him credit and honor so I do not associate it with being a “bad” thing. I totally understand what you are saying and am sure there are others out there who agree with you on this and that is great. I am just glad that in some small way I can be a part of something bigger and help those who sometimes can not help themselves. It is all about education for me and learning and passing it along. So thanks again for stopping by, feel free to come back and comment anytime. Blessings on this 4th of July!
Thank you Woody Brown for putting into words what I have not been able to. Well said! My daughter is 6 and I’ve always said that DS will not define her but She will define it! There is nothing more disheartening than when someone refers to your child as a “Downs Kid” I have a child who has an extra chromosome. So I stand by your efforts in making others aware that our children are children first and foremost who are overcoming the stigma of DS. By the grace of God and the strength He has provided they are definitely overcomingTrisomy21. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength is my daughters first memory verse. I thank God that she is definitely an I Can girl!
You have expressed my sentiments exactly! Would it be possible for me to re post your comment on my facebook page? Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Angela Watkins
Angela–so glad that you found something in Woody’s words that helped you articulate what you wanted to say!!! Awesome!!! That is what it is all about—the sharing of ideas and supporting one another!!! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to read the comments, the post and commenting!!! I know your daughter is a fabulous girl with an I Can attitude!!! Awesome! I wrote Carlton’s story here on the NDSS (http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885) site and would love for you to read it and vote for him. He wants to be famous!!! Hopefully Woody will respond to you—if you don’t hear from him I will forward your comment to him via my blog!!! Thanks again!!!
WOW!! Thank you so much for your comment! I wondered if there were any other Tri 21 parents who felt the same way. I have not publicly talked about this line of thinking because I don’t want to offend anyone with Tri 21 or anyone who loves someone with Tri 21, but I know we can change the future of lots of people if we change the words that we speak over them. I am thrilled that you feel the same way.
I understand that for some parents ‘accepting’ and ’embracing’ the diagnosis is a big part in moving on with their lives and I don’t want to offend that process. I just want to change the name so that we are not ‘accepting’ symptoms that we don’t have to. . . . I hope this makes sense to others and that it will bless everyone who reads it.
Just a side note – I am Caleb’s Mom, not Dad. My parents had a great sense of humor and used it when giving me a common male name . . . They really wanted a boy, not a girl. Life goes on.
Woody–thanks for responding–hopefully you and Angela can have further conversations! I am sending you her email (taken from here) in case you can not access it because it sounds as if you two need to “talk” further!!! Thanks again. And sorry for ‘assuming” you were male—my bad!!!! Just goes to show you what happens when you assume!!! So glad you stopped by!!!
Blessings! 🙂
Thank you so much for your speedy reply – – – I need this type of response because this is the first time I have publicly asked that we change the name of it. And it is VERY important to me not to offend anyone who has Tri 21 or who loves someone who has Tri 21.
I love my son with every fiber of my physical and spiritual being – just as I love my other children and just as everyone else loves their family and friends. I wouldn’t trade my child for any other child in the universe.
However, I could do without the challenges that the extra 21st chromosome has brought. And I am bold when I speak with God. I want to keep the fabulous qualities that this extra chromosome has brought – I just want to get rid of the qualities that make things more difficult for him. . . . I serve a GREAT God and I know that this is possible with him.
1.Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:25-27
2.Mark 9:23
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:22-24
3.Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:26-28
Thank you so much for offerring a platform to express one of my greatest desires.
Still In One Peace,
Woody
Woody–It is scary stepping out sometimes on subjects that you may feel others won’t receive well, isn’t it? I try to respect viewpoints of others and even if I do not agree –I think it is important that I listen and try to form my own opinion on the matter. After all I think that is what our founders of this great country wanted for us–freedoms, right? I totally understand you wanting to get rid of the “difficult ” things that come with this —the daily challenges are difficult, I can imagine. I am seeing things from the perspective of having an adult with this who is having to deal with a lot of change in his little world and it is very difficult to change years of routine and pattern so the challenges will continue, I am afraid. Stay strong and thanks again for being so passionate about your love for your sweet son Caleb. I would love to see pictures of him!! I know he is a handsome guy!
BethAnn, I get called your name a lot… since we moved to the south they have a much easier time with the Ann than the long E in “ene”. lol I have a son with Down syndrome too. Josiah is 10 and he brings our family much joy each and every day. Some days, he brings a lot of frustration too, as he is hard headed and stubborn, much like many of his immediate family members! It’s been amazing to see his impact on the world. My brother now manages a center for kids with special needs and their families in a country where there is little to no other help for these families. Thanks for your awareness and support! I’m looking forward to reading more on your blog.
Oh, and I see you have a Micah too… mine is 18!
Bethene—I am so happy you came by!!! I had to laugh about people mispronouncing your name!!! I lived in NC for 9 years and it was no issue but in the midwest folks just don’t get it!!! The two word name is kind of foreign to them!!! Josiah sounds like an incredible young man and I would love to see pictures of him!!! I am thinking maybe I should do a post of pics of some of the folks who are responding to this post of their loved ones. What do you think?? Kind of highlighting them a little bit more or something. I will have to think about it a bit. Sounds like your brother is doing a great thing and I applaud him for it. Once you have a special needs awareness I think it changes you–for the better. Thanks again for stopping by ! And yes–our Micah is 26!!!
thank you to Dayna Chandler for turning us on to your blog. And thank you to you for raising money for NDSS. I have a 5 year old daughter with DS, she is our world. Her name is Shayanne and she truly is a gift from God.
We will be checking back with you often.
Thank you
Oh Sharon–thank you so much for stopping by!! It seems i have hit a great “community” of friends here and I am so happy because it is all about reaching out and supporting others, isn’t it??? Shayanne sounds beautiful and I would love to see a picture of her. I am thinking about doing a post featuring pics of those who have family members they would like to share with others. What do you think??? Thanks again for letting me know you are reading!! If you want to subscribe by email there is a little box at the top of my blog to do that!!! 🙂
I would like to thank Dayna Chandler for posting your blog. I applaud you for taking on this task. The NDSS has been a great resource for me and my family as well as other families in the Columbus, Georgia area.
I have a 9, soon to be 10, year old daughter with Down syndrome. I also have a 36 year old half-brother with Down syndrome. Jeremy was my first experience with a Down syndrome child and my brother, step-brother’s and step sister learned a lot while growing up with him.
Before my daughter, Kacie was born, I was told that I was in the high probability to have a child with Down syndrome. I told the doctor’s that was fine because of Jeremy I would be prepared. I went through every week of the final 4 months of my pregnancy having ultra sounds and heart and labor monitoring since I was also considered a high risk. Nothing ever showed up that would the radiologist could see that would confirm a Down syndrome child, until the day she was born.
The pediatrician said she “LOOKED” like she might have Downs. They did the test and it came back positive. And all they could say was “I’m sorry”.
Well, I know longer like that phrase when it comes to Kacie. She has been the sweetest and most loving child possible. Granted she has her days and she is just as rambunkcios(?spelling) as her brother’s. She can ride a bike, takes ballet, jazz and tap. She is a wiz on the computer and she even plays xbox with her brothers.
If it wasn’t for the NDSS, I wouldn’t have known all about the research that they have done and new opportunities that will be in Kacie’s future. We have the NDSS Buddy Walk here and we gladly support them. I am so glad that you have taken this step to help further their research and to keep their existance available to us parents.
I am so glad that you all are coming on over to It’s Just Life!!! I love it!!! And I love hearing every story—it is a pretty cool community from what I have read !!! Thanks for stopping by and supporting NDSS while supporting me and my blog!!! I love it!!! Come back anytime and subscribe by email at the top of the blog if you wish!!!
Thank you for supporting Down Syndrome this month. I have 2 cousins with Downs and also my friend’s daughter, so this is a meaningful charity to us. 🙂
Thanks so much, Lisa, for stopping by It’s Just Life. I am loving hearing everyone tell about their special loved ones!!! It makes my heart happy that in some small way I can be a part of something big!!! Come back anytime and comment!!! On anything!!! Happy July 4th!!! 🙂
As mom to 8 yr old Alison who happens to have Down syndrome, I thank you for making NDSS the recipient of this months Comment for a Cause! Alison is such an incredible little gal! She has such a gift for bringing joy & peacefulness to all those around her! She sees the joy and wonder in the simplest things in life, something that I too now have a greater appreciation for! I can’t wait to check out more of you blog. Thank you again!!
Barb, Thanks so much for stopping by!!! I am so glad to hear about all of these wonderful parents and children!!! It just reaffirms that I picked a great charity this month!!! I think I hit the right group when I connected up with you guys!!! You all sound so nice and affirming and positive! Yay!!! Stop by anytime. I am always blathering on about something!!! 🙂 Tuesdays I highlight my teapot collection and Wednesdays are usually a wordless picture. But you never know what i may write about!!! I am loving meeting you all so come back often and share and the more comments the better for NDSS!!! Have a fabulous week!
This is so wonderful of you! My son is 12 weeks old today and still in NICU at Riley Hosp. he has AV Canal Defect and Down Syndrome. He is a bold and brave little fighter! He is having respiratory problems right now but we hope to have him home FINALLY in a few weeks. Thank you for your support of NDSS.
So wonderful to meet you!!! I am so very excited about this whole thing!!! Carl has been such a blessing and I put his story up on the NDSS website so you can go read it and vote for him! He wants to be famous!!! 🙂 http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885
Hi Beth,
I am a mom to a beautiful daughter Jessie. She was born with Trisomy 21 aka-Down syndrome. She is also quite a character. She loves everything Barney, Belle and the Beast from Disney, swimming in her pool and watching fireworks on the 4th of July. She is 12 yrs old now-but I can still remember vividly the day she was born and the time we spent with her in the NICU as she healed from surgery to her intestines. I am very grateful to you for making donations to worthy causes and for making the NDSS your choice for July.
Much gratitude,
Katrina Knights
Katrina, Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment. The 50 cents are adding up!! Come on back anytime and comment on any post—it will count!!!! I am very excited about this whole adventure this month. I have done really well with comments but I think this month is going to break the bank!!! I submitted Carlton’s story to NDSS and you can read it here and vote for him! He wants to be famous!!! 🙂 Thanks again! I know that Jessie is a wonderful blessing in your life!!! http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885
Thank you for donating this month to NDSS! I have a nephew who is 9 who has DS. Lucas is an amazing boy who has overcame alot in his short life. He loves to read, sing, swim, and of course run around(that is what he calls traveling). I also work with people with disabilities and they are such amazong people. People are so quick to look at them and judge them or say “Hey there’s a person with Down Syndrome, or Autism” I am very quick to say I’m sorry his name his Lucas. He does have one just like me and you. SO once again Thank you for doing all that you do! I have read some of your other blogs, you are amazing! Thank you!
Aw..Amber–what a great comment! This is what it is all about. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment. I really appreciate it!!! Lucas sounds amazing!!! I love the “traveling” comment!!! I wrote a little Carlton story and it is on the NDSS website now and I would love it if you would read it and vote for him! He wants to be famous!!! 🙂 Thanks again!!http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885
Thank you for all your hard work in raising money for NDSS. My 10 year old son has down syndrome and I love him so much just the way he is. I am so thankful for modern science that allow doctors to help people with down syndrome live longer. But I would hate to see down syndrome completely irraticated due to altering the genes. I love what people with down syndrome bring to this world. So I hope to see in the future lots of healthy babies born with the extra 21st chromosome.
Shelley, Thanks SO much for stopping by my blog!!! You just cannot imagine how excited I am to be a part of this whole group of people!! I did not dream it would take off like it seems to be doing. Please tell all your friends, comment frequently on any post and spread the word. I posted Carlton’s story on NDSS and would love to have everyone stop by there and read what Carlton is all about!!! If you are able to could you also please vote for our story??? Carlton wants to be famous!!! Thanks again! Hugs to your little boy!!! I know he is precious! http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885
Hi Beth Ann, I came upon your blog on FaceBook and I think it’s wonderful what you are doing!! As the grandmother of a 6 yr old child Theo with Downs this means alot!! Let me tell you a little bit about the special little guy God sent our family! I once heard the term Up syndrom used by a mother and I thought that’s it because that’s how he makes me feel, Up all the time!! Theo is a loving happy and polite little boy who has brought so much joy to all of us and we couldn’t imagine our lives without him. When you first meet him he wants to shake your hand and then give you a hug he also wants Mom and Dad or Papa and I to shake hands and hug that person also! This can be a waitress,waiter,cashier,or just someone in line at the super market. He always says hello and wants to make contact with others and always with a big smile that lights up a room! If only there were more loving souls in the world to spread love like he does!! If I had to desribe Theo in one word it would be LOVE!! : ) he is going to teach all of us much more than we will every teach him,he already has!!!!! Cheryl
Cheryl. Thank you so much for telling me about Theo!!! I am thinking that I might have to devote a blog post just to all of you with loved ones with Down Syndrome and post pictures!!! It is a great community to be a part of!!! I know Theo is a blessing (Love the name!) and is such a vital part of your family!!! I shared Carlton’s story on the NDSS website and if you wander over there could you add your vote to his story??? He wants to be famous! When I shared what I was doing with him last night he said he wanted all the stars in Hollywood to read it!!! 🙂 Follow the link and it will take you there! Thanks again for sharing Theo with me!!! http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885
My 19 month old daughter Ava has DS. She is the love of my life and a joy to everyone she meets. I wanted to personally thank you for supporting this cause. So thank you from Ava and myself!
You are welcome!! I know Ava is a darling and I am so glad you stopped by!!! Come back anytime!!!!! The more comments on any post this month will mean more $ to NDSS!!! If you want to read Carlton’s story I posted it on the NDSS website and you can vote for it there. He wants to be famous and this is the first step! 🙂 Thanks again and stop by anytime!!! http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885
Ry Has Been A Joy In My Life, Funny How I Was Looking For Something Good To Happen In My Life And Then There He Was Like A Burning Bush in The Wilderness. My Friend Has What Im Looking For ….He Is Hooked Up With A Power Greater Than Himself, God That Is. Thank You For Being a Blessing In My Life Son. Love Always.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing a bit about Ry!!! Love to hear all the stories!
This is great. I ran across this through Facebook. I have a 3 year old son who has a way of just making you smile and he makes me feel extra special, as I know he does for his mom and sister.
Thanks, Chris!!! So happy to share all of the stories of loved ones that are coming in!!! Check out Carlton’s story at NDSS http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885) and vote for him! He wants to be famous!! Thanks for stopping by!!! Come back anytime!
Caught your blog through the NDSS tweet; we follow each other. @paperfifrildi is my Twitter site. I tweet about my daugther who has Down syndrome (and reframing life). Milli is amazing and has taught so many people about inclusion and other lessons. She is a paper artist/artisan by recycling and recreating old office paper into art. Everyone loves her work. This weekend she has a spot at http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/festival/shopping-food/hand-made-village/
Milli is part of the regional art community and participates in the artists’ studio tour called watch the wave http://www.watchthewave.ca/thepaperfifrildi/index.html All of this fits your “I’m so excited!” theme.
Thank you for your contribution to letting people know the Up side of Down sydrome.
Thanks so much, Rose, for taking the time to stop by and comment!!! I have had incredible traffic on my blog today thanks to NDSS!! I am very excited! Please feel free to share my blog with anyone who has a love of Down Syndrome. I am going to go check out Milli’s work and publicize it through my social media, too!!! Loving finding all of you. if you want to read more about Carlton go to my story at NDSS http://ndss.org/index.php?option=com_mgs&page=story&story=885) and vote for him! He wants to be famous and I told him I would try my best!!! Thanks again. Milli sounds amazing!!!!
Oh my goodness–I just went and looked at her stuff and it is amazing!!! Awesome!! Tell her I think she is AWESOME!
It is a wonderful thing you are doing. Having a down syndrome child has been very enlightening and very special. I love her so much and am grateful for people like you who are helping with awareness and financial hope.
Aw…thanks, Patricia! It has kind of snowballed into this thing of wonderfulness that I did not expect!!! I have had so many viewers today and am still hoping that folks figure out how to comment. Any comments all month go towards NDSS so spread the word! Thanks again for the sweet words!
I found out about your blog on facebook and just wanted to express my appreciation and say that I would like to agree with Woody. I believe that Down Syndrome is completely incorrect. I found out that my son could have down syndrome from the womb, after he was born they looked for markers that would say he has down syndrome. When they saw what they wanted to see they gave him a chromosome test and it came back positive for Trisomy 21. But to say that my beautiful baby has a syndrome that sounds negative is depressing to say the least and everytime I am with him depressed is not what I feel. My son, Aiden, is four months old, and one of the happiest babies anywhere.
Ruth, Thanks so much for stopping by!!! I am just beyond pleased with the number of people who are stopping and commenting about the charity of the month! Like I mentioned to Woody I never thought of the name as a negative thing—just the name of the doctor who is credited for isolating it—but understand how others may not view it that way. I am sure Aiden is adorable and truly a happy little guy. So glad to hear about him and to know that he has an awesome mommy!!! Stop back anytime!!! Thanks again!
Thanks Ruth! I ran into a wise woman in a beauty shop when my son was about 2 months old who looked me dead in my sad, sad eyes and told me in a very serious voice, “Ignore the professionals. Let your son tell you what he can and cannot do.”
That was the 1st good advice I got. And the 1st glimmer of hope I got. So I let her words sink in and I began teaching my baby to read and stimulating his brain at every opportunity. If his eyes were open, somebody in our family was presenting some new information to him.
I had read somewhere before that the best time to increase intelligence is before a child turns 5 years old. After that, you can add knowledge, but it is more difficult to develop new brain connections.
So we have run a race . . . and it has been soooo worth it. However, new information indicates that you can continue to build new brain cells even into your senior life. But it is easier to do it in the pre-school years. So let’s all get cracking and continue to help these kids be ALL they can be!
I am satisfied that my son with Tri 21 is better equipped and has more academic knowledge to start kindergarten with than all three of my typically chromosomed kids put together were – – – and they all turned out just fine. I am confident that Caleb will too.
Wow Beth you got a lot of comments for this post.
Keep up the GREAT work.
((hugs))
I know!! I am so excited about it!!! All going for a great cause!!!
To Woody, I had similar advice. It came from one of the NICU nurses, her nephew has Trisomy 21. Her words were, get all the help out there and enjoy the ride because if I expect the worst that is what I will get. I have done just that, and am enjoying every minute.
Sounds like you guys have talked to some very wise people!!! That is wonderful!!!
[…] you are in the dark about what I am talking about—go to this post to read more and don’t forget to stop by and read Carlton’s story here on the NDSS […]
Hi I just stopped by to say I’ve read all the comments on tri 21 and am so pleased people are so passionate about it. My niece is 1 year old and I love her so much. I would love to see her grow up to be accepted for who she is not what she is or what she has…..we all need to be educated, I’m from Ireland so I log onto the DS Ireland site which is where I got your blog from.
Thank you so much.
Trish Hanna
Patricia—thank you SO much for stopping by and commenting all the way from Ireland! That is awesome! Your niece is wonderful, I am sure. I have a hard time understanding sometimes how people can not just love them to pieces—I think it is just a basic lack of education on who they are and what they can do with their lives, you know?? Thanks again for stopping by and come back anytime!! Glad to have you!!!! My post today (July 8) has more about this great cause!!!
I have a son with DS too – and he’s 14. He hasn’t tried to marry off either of his brothers to girlfriends (maybe the right one hasn’t come along yet) – but he does try to hit on them … lol – Nice blog –
Tamara—that made me laugh!!! Yep—I bet he does try to hit on them!!! That is so funny!!! Thanks for stopping by—so glad to meet some new folks in this great “community”. Stop on back anytime!
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by!!!! Come back anytime!!!! I am always rambling on about something!!!!
Thank you for all your donations especially to NDSS. Our youngest daughter has Ds and I know what you mean about never a dull moment..!!!!
Thanks. Theresa, for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I am so happy to be a part of this “community” of folks who have such big hearts for Down Syndrome! Have a great day and come back often!
Thanks for supporting the NDSS– It is an awesome organization that helps folks like my daughter who happens to have Down Syndrome. She is 23 and works at our local Applebee’s- she is happy to contribute to her community.
Thanks for sharing a little about Carlton.
Cathy–Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!!! I bet your daughter rocks at Applebee’s–one my favorite places! They some great low calorie options there!!! Thanks again for stopping by!!! Come back anytime!!!
Great I hope you get lots of comments and raise lots of money! good luck
Thanks for the comment, Kathy!! Great to have you stop by! Come back anytime!
[…] any post this month I will donate 50 cents to this great organization. You can read more about it here and my tribute to my brother in law, Carlton, […]
thanks for supporting the NDSS,i saw your blog by accident in fb,and i’ve read all the comments,ihave a daughter with DS/Tri 21 , just turned 20 and she’s a blessing,she’s the life of the party, will make everybody laugh, always with a smile.
Oh yay!! Thanks for stopping by!!! I know your daughter is a huge blessing to you and I bet she is the life of the party!!! We should all embrace some of the great qualities that our DS/Tri 21 loved ones have!! I think they have it figured out a lot more than some of the rest of us!!! Thanks again for stopping by!!! Great to meet you and your daughter!!! 🙂
Very efficiently written information. It will be useful to anybody who usess it, as well as me. Keep up the good work – looking forward to more posts.
[…] 2011 the National Down Syndrome Society was my Comments for a Cause because of him! Read about it here.) We had the honor of moving in and helping take care of him for 7 months after Chris’s […]