We're Back!
Just in time for another World Down Syndrome Day!
Hello friends and family! It appears we haven’t sent a newsletter in approximately ::checks notes:: one year.
Oops!
To be honest, we had quite a lot going on last year, settling into New Haven, general life busyness, and what felt like a barrage of never-ending illnesses. But we’ll get to a recap in a future email.
We wanted to remind you all that one of our favorite days of the year is tomorrow: World Down Syndrome Day!
We’ve invited some of our New Haven family to our favorite BBQ spot to party with Noah on Friday night. We wish all of you could come too, but here are some reminders of how you can celebrate:
1. Wear mismatched socks (blue and yellow are DS colors!)
Down Syndrome occurs when a person is born with three 21st chromosomes instead of the usual two. And socks kind of look like chromosomes. So it’s customary to wear mismatched socks on WDSD. When someone asks why your socks don’t match, tell them it’s because you know and love someone with DS!
Post a photo of your socks to social media with the hashtags #WorldDownSyndromeDay and make sure to share with us!
2. Give to a Down Syndrome charity
If you’d like to donate to one of the many organizations that support people and families with Down Syndrome, here are some that have blessed us personally:
Alternatively, you can find your local Down Syndrome Association and donate to them!
3. Educate yourself
Tomorrow is a great day to listen to a podcast, watch a film or show, or read a book about Down Syndrome. Here are some that we like:
Podcasts
Down Syndrome Center Podcast - This series from the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania covers a wide range of listener-requested topics, like homeschooling, sensory processing, sex and sexuality, and more.
The Lucky Few - Hosted by three mothers, this podcast’s mission is to “shout the worth of people with Down Syndrome.” They’re the ones behind the Lucky Few symbol you may see us wearing on occasion!
Shows/Movies:
Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom - this documentary was a major factor in our decision to leave NYC and is streaming for free on Tubi!
The Peanut Butter Falcon - the directors of this film wrote it specifically for its star, Zack Gottsagen, after meeting him and learning he wanted to be a movie star. It’s currently streaming on Netflix!
Down For Love - a heartwarming Australian dating show for people living with Down Syndrome, available on Netflix!
Champions - Not our favorite (because it’s more about the non-disabled characters), but this sports underdog comedy starring Woody Harrelson features several actors with Down Syndrome. Available to rent or buy on demand.
Books:
A Good and Perfect Gift by Amy Julia Becker - Katelyn resonated with this book about a mother’s emotional journey during the first year of her daughter’s life.
An Uncomplicated Life by Paul Daugherty - Matt appreciated this honest look from a Dad about raising his daughter with Down Syndrome.
The Lucky Few by Heather Avis - the host of The Lucky Few podcast writes about her story of adopting two children with Down Syndrome.
However you choose to celebrate, thanks for honoring our little guy on World Down Syndrome Day!
Love,
Noah, Katelyn, and Matt
sending so much love to you and your beautiful little boy.
<3