Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Kaylee, I have two girls. Jillian is 8 and Raelynn (DS) is 2. We live in northern Illinois. I love to give back to the community, I love to paint and sew when and if I have time! What’s the one word you would pick to describe Raelynn? Determined. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Raelynn taught you? Everyone grows and learns differently; nobody is the same. The more we look toward the “can’ts” and “won’ts” the more we believe that is true. Stay positive and keep pushing forward!! What…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… Hello! My name is Kyler, 33, happily married, and a dad of two, Bennett and Ruby. I’m a born and raised Minnesotan with east coast ties. After spending the last 10 years in Chicago, our family made the move back to the Twin Cities in May. We are enjoying this next chapter of our lives, especially the wonderful schools, resources, and networks now accessible to Bennett, our first-born and child with Down syndrome. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Bennett? Gamer. Not only because that’s what we call his grandfather (long story), but because Bennett is a…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Kelli and I live in Grayslake IL. I am the mom of 2 girls, both with special needs. Laney is 18 months old and has Down syndrome. Macy is 3 years old with Autism. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Laney? Special. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Laney taught you? Having a child with Down syndrome has changed our lives for the better. We have learned patience, empathy, patience, understanding, patience, unconditional love, and more. We see how hard Laney works to accomplish goals that come…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Alison and my daughter, Quinn, is almost 4 years old. Quinn was born in Arizona but my husband, Josh, and I decided to move to Florida when Quinn was about 18 months old to be closer to family. Quinn enjoys playing with her baby dolls, playing outside and being with family and friends. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Quinn? One word I would use to describe Quinn would be sassy. She is full of life, brave and feisty! When people are around her, they light up. What would you tell a parent who…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… I’m Christy, mom to Tierney (5) and Kellan (2), who is rocking an extra chromosome. We live with my husband, Matt, and two grumpy cats in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m training for a half-marathon in November, so most of my free time is spent running and listening to podcasts. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Kellan? Joyful. He’s not always happy, but when he is, he radiates joy and shares it with everyone around him. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Kellan taught you? Kellan has taught me that a…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… Alyse & Nick Mastrodonato are proud parents to Conner who is 6 months and we live in Antioch, IL. We love to be outdoors, walking with our pup, snuggling, playing and smiling ALL THE TIME. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Conner? Charismatic. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Conner taught you? Conner has taught me to be more accepting, to find the positives in a person, to outweigh their negatives, and to love profusely without hesitation. Down Syndrome is really only different in the number of chromosomes. Everything I’ve…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Cecilia Guizar. I am 23 years old. I live in Los Angeles, CA. My favorite hobbies are dancing, playing with my son, & hanging out with friends. I have a handsome, smart & loving baby boy, Joseph, who is 3 years old. I gave birth to him on March 11, 2016 💙💛 He is such a beautiful, smart and kind boy. He brings so much joy and happiness to a lot of people’s lives. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Joseph? Ambitious. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Kristen Behrens, and I have a two-year-old named Juliana & a three-year-old named Jackson. What is your experience with Down syndrome? I came into contact with Hudson when he was an infant. I was merely surviving – not thriving as a mom. At the time, I had a CRAZY 21-month-old boy and a 3-month-old baby girl. I joined a group called Stroller Strides – both seeking a community and an hour where I could work out a few times per week. Hollyce and Hudson joined around the same time as me. Hollyce was on maternity leave, and…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Angie. I’m married to Maceo. We have 3 children. Lincoln is our youngest. He is 4 years old and has Down Syndrome. We are an athletic family and so we love all sports. We spend a lot of time watching our children play. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Lincoln? Kind. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Lincoln taught you? I would like for everyone to know that Down Syndrome is not scary. Lincoln has taught us great things already!! Patience, kindness through anything, love for everyone!…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… I am Jenness, mama to five with Teddy (Ds) being the youngest. I am a nationally certified school nurse and we live in Libertyville, IL. I love to read, cook, and garden, and I used to be an equestrian before kids and grown-up life happened. Teddy is three and loves gymnastics, horseback riding, soccer, baseball, golf, and pretty much any other sport. He also loves to play with his cars and trucks and point out every car, truck, bus, plane, or motorcycle we see on the road. He goes to school four mornings a week and he loves to ride…

Tell us a little bit about you. My name is Terri & I am lucky to get to be Carissa’s co-worker (and friend). She began working at Main Street Realty two years ago as an intern through her work/study program and was hired a year ago. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Carissa? Unstoppable. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Carissa taught you? There is nothing Carissa can’t do when she puts her mind to it. She’s one of the hardest working young people I know. She’s taught me to never give up & dream big! What would you tell…

Tell us a little bit about you and your loved one with Down syndrome… Carissa has been a friend of mine since I was in 6th grade and she was in 2nd! Carissa was in a general education classroom and I was paired to be her reading buddy. We formed a bond (and I think she helped me discover my passion) that lives on to this day. Today, Carissa is now 23!! We love going out to eat together, happy hours 😉, going to the gym together, and of course – girl talk. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Carissa? Capable. What do you want the world…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Dianne. We live in Collingswood, NJ and my daughter, Carissa is 23 years old. Carissa is an inspiration to many people in our community near and far. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Carissa? Amazing. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Carissa taught you? My daughter with Down syndrome has taught me that acting from your heart can move mountains and no obstacle can withstand the power of love. What would you tell a parent who just received a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child? There’s…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Carissa. I am 23 years old. I live with my mom and three sisters. My loved one is my mom and sisters and my second-grade pep pal Laura Ciervo. She really is the best. My hobbies are acting & performing, and sports like basketball and bowling. What’s one word you’d use to describe yourself? To be like everybody else. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? I am successful. I go on a college campus and have a job in the day. For my senior trip, we went to Florida and stayed four…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Erin. I am writing about my brother, Matthew, who has Down syndrome. He is 20 years old and lives in Palatine, IL. Matt loves watching movies (current favorite is “Instant Family”) and listening to music. He likes to record himself making videos on his iPad, and secretly hopes to see himself on the big screen someday. Matt is a great powerlifter for the Special Olympics. He also loves being an uncle to my son. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Matthew? Magic. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Magen and my daughter’s name is Jacquelyn. She will turn 3 in December, and we live 40 miles outside of Chicago. We are big Chicago Cubs fans! I was 8 months pregnant when they won the World Series. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Jacquelyn? Extraordinary. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What Jacquelyn taught you? Down syndrome is a blessing. Down syndrome has taught me how to be a parent and appreciate those milestones that much more. It has taught me that I am deserving of my child…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Angie and I’m mama to Owen Steven who’s 3 years old. Owen has twin siblings who are 11. We live in Washington state. Our favorite thing to do together is giggle and dance! Owen just started early preschool and LOVES it! What’s the one word you would pick to describe Owen? GIFT. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Owen taught you? It’s pure joy! Having Owen has changed my perspective on life. He lights up our world. His love is unconditional and his smile will steal your heart every time!…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Jessica my daughter’s name is Julianna. She is one year old and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. We live in Joliet, Illinois and our favorite hobbies are singing “Row Your Boat” and going to the park. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Julianna? Hope. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Julianna taught you? Down syndrome does not define my daughter. It just makes her more special. Don’t count her out or underestimate her! She can do and will do everything a non-Down syndrome child can,…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Mallory Roberts and my daughter Ava has Down syndrome! We live in Central Kansas in the beautiful town of McPherson. Ava is 4 (almost 5) years old. She loves trips to the zoo, music and dancing, family time and spending time with her “friends” aka classmates. What’s the one word you would pick to describe Ava? Life-giving (does this count as one word? 😂) What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Ava taught you? That it is not scary or a burden – so don’t say you’re sorry for someone. My…

Tell us a little bit about you and your family… My name is Jennifer. Nora is 3 years old and the youngest of 3 girls! We live in the Chicago suburbs. We love to vacation as a family, go camping, go on walk and bike rides and have dance parties!! What’s the one word you would pick to describe Nora? Determined. What do you want the world to know about Down syndrome? What has Nora taught you? Down Syndrome is not scary. It’s not a life sentence of never being able to go do fun things as a family ever again, and it will not affect the other kids in…