October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Which also means that throughout the country Buddy Walks are being held in countless towns and cities. There is simply nothing more beautiful than families and friends coming together to raise awareness. And more importantly, supporting loved ones living with an extra something special.
Megan was born with Trisomy-21. Ironically, not only is October National Down syndrome awareness month, it is also the anniversary of the prenatal diagnosis we received that Megan would indeed be born with Down syndrome. It’s hard for me to believe that day was 11 years ago now. How time flies. In so many ways it seems like yesterday. I remember that day well. When I sit and really think about it, write about it, the feelings I had on that cold, gloomy fall New England day when my doctor called with my amnio results, resurface. Those raw emotions come flooding back.
Over the course of the past 11 years, Megan has taught me and our family many valuable, priceless lessons. She has opened my eyes to a world I would’ve otherwise missed. I have come to appreciate the smallest of things. She helps me keep life in perspective. I’m no longer scared of raising a child with special needs. Instead, I’m more than grateful and feel incredibly blessed I get to be Megan’s mom. Megan keeps us on our toes and her sense of humor keeps us laughing non-stop! Megan has the sweetest smile, biggest heart and is quick to give anyone a huge hug and a sweet loving pat on the back.
I am extremely lucky to be on this journey and share it with so many other amazing families. Families who inspire me. Families with a whole lot of love to share. I look forward to participating in Buddy Walks each year as it gives us a chance to spend time with these amazing people. It’s a cheerful place. There’s music. And where there’s music, there is dancing. I love watching Megan and her friends get out there a do their thang. Move and groove to the beat. There is nothing like it. I can’t possibly put into words the overwhelming feeling of love that one feels when surrounded by these individuals who have been blessed with an extra chromosome. They love life. They live it to the fullest.
There have already been many Buddy Walks this month….and there are many more scheduled. If you’ve never participated in a Buddy Walk, put it on your bucket list. It’s an experience you need to have at least once in your life. If you haven’t spent time with this special group of people…well here’s your chance if you live in Southern California. Sunday, November 4th is the Orange County Buddy Walk. It’s held every year at Angel’s Stadium. Below is a link to our Family’s Donor site and there is a link to the Event Information. If you want to come out and walk with us, please do. I will have shirts for everyone that comes. I guarantee, it will be an experience you will not forget. We have a goal of raising a thousand dollars. The money goes towards education, research and Down syndrome awareness.
We would love to have anyone and everyone contribute toward this great cause, even if you can’t join us on our Buddy Walk. To donate, click on the link below.
Instructions:
1. Click on the “Donate” button.
2. Click on the “Donate to a Team” button.
3. Click on “Megan 2012“
4. Once you are on Megan 2012, you can make your donation in any amount. And any donation is appreciated!
Here’s the Link:
Last, a HUGE THANK YOU to Regal Movie theaters for helping raise awareness with this great ad they run before the feature film begins:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPVIS9gFkWY
I love it when this ad comes on. A couple weeks ago we took our family to see Frankenweenie. When this ad aired, my 13 year old son starting cheering loudly in a very quiet movie theater. It made me proud to hear my son supporting his little sister, along with all those who have that extra something special.
Thank you all for your love, support and for helping to give my daughter, Megan a bright future.
