MARK LEACHAPRIL 16, 2013
Seeing a dream come true http://www.downsyndromeprenataltesting.com/seeing-a-dream-come-true/ " In the video you will see news coverage of Lydia Orso and Tom Swenson’s wedding. I expect that when Lydia was born, no one believed one day she would be exchanging vows at her wedding ceremony–I know I would not have. When my daughter was born, I instantly had a vision of walking her down the aisle at her wedding. Then the perinatal nurse said she thought our daughter had Down syndrome and that vision shattered into a thousand pieces." SEE THE LINK TO READ ON AND VIEW THE VIDEO. MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT http://www.downsyndromeprenataltesting.com/seeing-a-dream-come-true/ . Kent State Trumbull-Summer Stock
"EVERY 1's INCLUDED" at Abilities Unlimited We would like to thank Michelle Maple and Jenny Blazek from Kent State University, Trumbull Campus for the immense effort and dedication in writing and directing the play "Every1's Included". The play, written for PDF and those with Down syndrome, to expose the evils of bullying and showcase the advantages of inclusion was featured as a part of KSU's Summer Stock performances this season. With the support of Dr. Daniel Nadon, the endeavor was a great benefit in furthering acceptance and inclusion in the hearts of all who attended.
Thank You to the cast, crew, parents, and all who gave so much of their time to make this possible. ***SPECIAL BLESSINGS CALENDAR***
 Our calendar featuring the beautiful faces of those touched by Down syndrome will once again be available for purchase at the Buddy Walk- The 5th Anniversary. Please consider sharing this calendar to promote acceptance and inclusion.
Reasons to Celebrate
Introducing the new website for The Down Syndrome Footprint Foundation. Visit their site to learn more about the organization. Visit their on-line store where 100% Authentic Down Syndrome Footprint Products are items that are guaranteed to employ people with Down Syndrome. Every item in the Down Syndrome Footprint Store is touched by an individual with Down syndrome. Many places sell awareness products, but the Down Syndrome Footprint Store is the only awareness store that can guarantee you that they are directly and 100% raising awareness, empowering, and employing individuals with Down syndrome. THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER LIFE: PASS IT ON VIDEO - The story of Shellie Eyre is of a life lived with courage, determination and unrestricted love for everyone she meets. She was born in 1979 with Down syndrome and is the second child of a family. On September 25, 2010 when we hold our 4th Annual Buddy Walk, we will be hosting a very special guest. Bernadette Resha is not only an accomplished artist, but an actress, model, violinist, and magician. We are honored to have her display her award winning artwork at our Buddy Walk and look forward to her exhibit at the Trumbull Art Gallery in downtown Warren, Ohio. Bernadette, now 31 years old, was born in Nashville, Tennessee with Down syndrome. Despite what people may or may not expect of an individual with Down syndrome, she has become an accomplished artist who is well known in the art community worldwide. Her exposure to the art world and culture started as a child attending as many art galleries, museums, concert halls and plays as possible. From an early age she was encouraged to draw and color in her own style as a form of expression and therapy. This has resulted in a body of work which documents an artist developing a unique style entirely her own. With an artist grandmother and a mother fully committed to allowing her to use this medium of self expression for as far as she would care to take it, Bernadette has exhibited and sold her works in galleries, art shows and conventions throughout the United States. She has won many top awards in various art competitions and her artwork has been featured in several magazines and on special Diet Pepsi cans. Besides art, Bernadette has studied violin, magic, dance, acting, public speaking, and gymnastics. She also enjoys swimming, bowling, ice skating, track, and roller skating. Her acting credits include commercials, the film "Gummo", and a music video with Barbara Mandrell. She is an accomplished, amazing woman who transcends any pre-conceived ideas about what a person with Down syndrome is capable of. She is truly an inspiration! To view her artwork or order some of Bernadettes merchandise, please visit her website at: http://www.bernadetteresha.com/enter.htm |
A-Z MUSIC
 Our friend and neighbor, Ferrel Nottingham, at A-Z Music has very generously supported Putting Downs First this past year by raising funds through his monthly Blue Grass Concerts at our offices on Parkman Rd (Rt. 422) in Southington. We have had such a wonderful time and can't thank him, his musicians, family, and guests enough. They are all so generous and truly a blessing to us. Please join us on February 18th for the next scheduled concert. Bring the family for a fun night of music, food, and friendship! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
 Information from Days of Our Past
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