DSAM: Meet Carissa

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 days and nights. I graduated from high school with my diploma and I went to my prom with a cute date.

What would you tell a parent who just received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome?

I would tell a parent that Down syndrome people can be normal like everybody else.

What else should people know?

Don’t let anybody squash my dreams!

How can people find you?

Instagram

Facebook

Carissa – you ARE successful and paving the way for so many of us who have younger children with Down syndrome. We will root you on as you chase your dreams! And we think you are awesome – for being YOU – not just like everyone else. Thank you for sharing your story with us! You ROCK sister.