Are you one of Andy's Argonauts?
Andy n. 1: boy born May 10, 2011, to Greg and Kathryn Brockmeier 2: little brother to Simon 3: cuddler
argonaut n. : an adventurer engaged in a quest
When Andy was born, the hospital staff rushed him to the NICU, saying his blood oxygen levels were low. Greg went with Andy, and I went to recovery. When I finally got to see Andy, Greg informed me that the NICU doctor wanted to test Andy for Down syndrome. We waited two and a half very long days to receive the results of the chromosome test. Yes, we were told, Andy has Down syndrome. When things calmed down and Andy was stabilized, Greg and I began to process the idea that the life we had anticipated for our son would probably not be the life he would lead. But it didn't take long for us to come to the conclusion that we were just like any other family with a brand new baby...we began to think:
"We're in for an awesome adventure as a family of four!"
While we were still in the hospital, even before we received the results of the blood test, we were offered the Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) "Brand New Day" New Parent Hospital Packet and Resource Book. This packet was the first reliable information we had access to after learning of Andy's diagnosis. During this time, we were also asked if we would like to meet with a couple members of DSAF, and Dan Safarik and his son Paul did come to visit us in the hospital, offering support and answering the many questions we had. We felt welcomed into a family. Since then, we've attended a BBQ and met some wonderful families. I am now friends on Facebook with several moms.
Yes, Andy has Down syndrome, but Greg and I are going to try our level best to ensure that his diagnosis doesn't define who he is. We believe the Down Syndrome Association for Families will help us in this effort and will be there to support us every step of the way!
Will you join us on our adventure?
Greg and I are signed up as "virtual" walkers this year because we have a family wedding to attend that day. But, we encourage you to join our team: sign up to walk, sign up as a virtual walker, and/or donate to our team, Andy's Argonauts. We are excited to think that you'll join us on our adventure of supporting Andy and others just like him.
Money donated to DSAF is money well spent. The "Brand New Day" New Parent Hospital Packet and Resource Book, which is what we received the day after Andy was born, cost about $35. Your dollars also go toward awareness and education efforts, events that allow families to network, as well as inclusive social events for the kids. DSAF is a non-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible. From August 25 until September 8th, Andy's Nana and Papa, Chris and Rick Small, are giving a matching donation of up to $250! 8/26 update: My goodness, we reached our goal! New challenge, 8/26: Andy's Grandma, Norma Wilke, is giving a matching donation of up to $100. How soon can we reach that goal? 8/26 update: Goal met! (Anyone else interested in putting up a donation with the challenge for it to be matched? Just let me know.)
To learn more about DSAF and Down syndrome, and for complete details on the walk and the fundraising campaign, please read this brochure: http://www.dsafnebraska.org/upload/StepUp%20Broch2011%20user.pdf.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!