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,…