August 26, 2010...We were expecting the arrival of our second child to be delivered sometime mid-morning of that day. Delivery went well and Nora entered our lives. This day changed us in a big way. We were informed that Nora displayed some features characteristic of Down syndrome. The test came back positive as having the extra chromosome. We had no idea the new world that Nora was bringing us into. We didn't know how to handle this news. We weren't prepared. It took over a week to start telling people in our family, not because we were embarrassed, we just didn't know how to.
We contacted the DSG to let them know of the new addition to our family, and hoped we would be added to theirs. Just as we received Nora with open arms, the DSG received us likewise. We have gotten to know several families through the DSG whose stories aren't that different from us. Nora is a fun, bright, and happy 1 year old. By joining her team or donating you will be helping more than just Nora.
Here is the schedule for the day:
9am-11am: Registration
9am-1pm: Family festivities & Radio Disney on stage
10am-Noon: Lunch- Hamburger/Hot dogs, Cole slaw, Fruit and Chips
10:00am: Announcements
10:45am-11:10am: BEST Network Performance on stage!
11:20am: Kids Dash (age 5 and under)
11:25am: Warm up exercises led by Chris Ringot
11:35am: Maggie Marx to sing the National Anthem
11:45am: Walk begins with KC Wolf
1:00pm: Event concludes
Thank you in advance for participating in this wonderful cause!
Eric, Jess, Stratton & Nora
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 Nora's Navigators" link.
We thank you for your generous support of Nora's Navigators and look forward to seeing you Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Festival!