March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day! We celebrated by wearing a 3/21 tshirt and laying around feeling yucky. It would have been more fun if we hadn't been sick! But anyway, a lot of fun things happened this weekend. Here are the highlights...
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) launches with a website, Facebook groups, and lots of support for families just receiving a diagnosis. I'm super proud of this site and the mamas who've gotten it started.
Our Mission:
The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) supports families with
current information and real-life accounts of life with Down syndrome
during the prenatal to early childhood phases. DSDN is committed
to facilitating unbiased, family-centered discussion of Down syndrome
within the medical community. We strive to cultivate a culture of
acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome at all stages of
life.
{Unexpected}: Stories of a Down syndrome diagnosis also launches. This amazing collection tells the stories of dozens of families who've received a diagnosis. Prenatal, birth, those who waited out a potential diagnosis, and those with unusual circumstances have all come together to share stories with the world and encourage families just arriving at their Down syndrome journey. Cade's story is in the Prenatal Section.
Gift Baskets for Down Syndrome Diagnoses is my own personal project. While I received a prenatal diagnosis and had plenty of time to prepare before birth, many families are still surprised with a birth diagnosis. A gift basket full of useful items, books about Down syndrome, and brochures for local and national resources is a great way to welcome these new families into our community. I've started a GoFundMe page to help raise the money for these baskets. Only $500 will pay for baskets for every family receiving a Ds diagnosis in our local area for 2 years. My plan to assemble all of the baskets, then deliver them to maternity nurses and lactation consultants who can get them to the families while still in the hospital.

Very cool about the baskets! I had a very unexpected birth diagnosis and loved the package I received from our local group. Those baskets will be a great gift!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane! What did you get in your basket? Anything you wished had NOT been included? Or think should have been included?
ReplyDelete