DSAM: Friends Laura & Carissa

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 to know about Down syndrome? What has Carissa taught you?

People with Down syndrome are capable. They might learn differently or have specific needs that are different than others, but they can achieve so much. Carissa’s mom has always advocated for her to always be included which really paved the way for lots of families in our small town.

Despite challenges, Carissa showed the world how smart, independent, strong-willed, and capable she was when she graduated from our public high school. Today, she goes to college at Rowan University (NJ) and works in our town at a real estate office. Here, Carissa continues to pave the way and show our town how amazing it is to include people with special needs.

If I had a dollar for every time someone commented, “Wow! Carissa can do so much” or “Carissa really is good at her job!” I’d be rich! Carissa has taught me to never give up. This girl works her butt off at everything and never stops trying.

What would you tell a parent who just received a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child?

Congratulations! What a true gift.

What else should people know about Carissa?

Carissa has also learned to be her own advocate which amazes me. Once, there was someone who was joking around with her and Carissa let him know that she didn’t find his jokes appropriate, but rather offensive. She kindly asked him to leave her alone. I was so impressed with her ability to problem solve and stand her ground! You go girl.