Welcome to our Step Up Walk Page for Get Goin' With Lauren!  Every Year, we write a little bit about the past year and where we have been and what we have done.  This year, Chris had the pleasure of writing an article for the "DADS Corner" in the DSG Connections Newsletter, so we felt this would be the perfect place to share that article with all of you.  We hope you enjoy the article and we hope to see you on October 29th at Arrowhead for the Step Up Walk!

Thanks in advance for all of your love and support!

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It was October 18, 2007.  My wife, Sarah, and I knew our lives were about to change because our second child was on it's way.  We had no idea how blessed we were about to become.

All throughout the pregnancy, my wife was pretty darn sure we were having a little boy, which would be a nice addition to our oldest daughter, Kayleigh, so we were both pleasantly surprised when Lauren was born and I told my wife "It's a girl!"  Then reality sunk in.  My wife and I were as happy as could be, but everyone else in the room seemed to be a little muted.  Finally, my wife asked the doctor "She has Down Syndrome, doesn't she?"  He told us he thought so, but they had to do some tests to confirm.

Lauren had low oxygen levels when she was born, so she spent her first 11 days in the NICU.  Over this 11 day period, my wife and I ran through about every single emotion you could possibly imagine.  We cried, laughed, got mad and prayed our hearts out.  We had no idea what we were going to do, but as soon as we got her home, it dawned on us; she was a baby, just like her older sister was at one time, and we had to raise her as such.

Watching Lauren grow up into the most active, loving, sweet and sassy little 3 year old has been an amazing experience.  She took a little longer going through each developmental stage than her other siblings, but I truly believe that is God's way of making us enjoy each stage more and appreciate what is possible.  Even though she is only 3, she has taught us more about how to live life and how to love life than I ever would have thought possible.  It doesn't matter what kind of mood I am in, when I walk into a room and Lauren yells "Daddy!" and comes running up to give me a hug, it makes everything else disappear.

Every step of the way, Lauren continues to amaze and impress (a lot of that is due to the fact that she has a wonderful mother!).  When we first started this journey, we worried a lot about the things Lauren would never do, now we worry that we won't be able to keep up with all the things she will do!  She is only 3 and we can hardly keep up with her now!

There are certainly some trying times with Lauren, but there are trying times with her other 3 siblings as well.  One thing I have learned from Lauren is that what makes us who we are is not what knocks us down, but how we get up from being knocked down, and I know that no matter what Lauren will get up with a smile on her face and ready to take on the next challenge!

Chris Willhoite, proud father of Lauren (3), Kayleigh (5), Logan (2) and Brooke (8mos)

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Are you Ready to Step Up for Down Syndrome? Did you know that each year 5,000 babies are born with Down syndrome and that there are over 400,000 individuals living with Down syndrome in the United States?

These families depend heavily on local support organizations to receive information, resources and education. They also appreciate and benefit from ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts which improve the lives of entire families and communities.

The Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City (DSG) serves over 1100 families and partners with 22 hospitals, 45 school districts and countless service providers in Kansas and Missouri. We invite you to Step Up and support our members and the work of the DSG by participating in one of the largest celebrations for Down syndrome in the nation. Our 2010 walk was a smashing success thanks to 300 teams, 6,800 walkers, and 400 volunteers!

Will you be there to help us cross the finish line this year?

Your participation in the walk shows you support inclusion and acceptance for people with Down syndrome and recognize their many gifts, talents and contributions to society. We envision a bright future with your help.

Each step you take and every dollar you raise will help the DSG continue to provide vital programs and services offering educational and social support to people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who serve them. Important work waits to be done to enhance research, education and advocacy programs. Your support is critical in making these programs a reality.

What difference can you make by Stepping Up?

 *   When you raise $100 you help DSG provide two families with hospital meal vouchers during extended hospital stays.

 *   When you raise $200 you help DSG provide a family experiencing a new diagnosis a welcome basket full of gifts and resources on Down syndrome.

 *   When you raise $250 you help DSG host a quarterly social activity for teens and adults with Down syndrome.

 *   When you raise $500 you help DSG host a quarterly support breakfast for parents and grandparents.

 *   When you raise $750 you help DSG provide conference scholarships to educators and professionals who support individuals with Down syndrome.

 *   When you raise $1000 you help DSG publish an issue of our award winning Connections Newsletter.

View DSG's Programs & Services Brochure, 2010 Annual Report and 2010 Year in Review Video to learn more about how the funds you raise are used to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Never forget that your fundraising efforts truly change lives. If you can't make the walk, making a donation to the team is simple; just click on the "Donation to the Get Goin' With Lauren" link.

We thank you for your generous support of Get Goin' With Lauren and look forward to seeing you Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Festival!