Lucky Little Leo

Our world changed forever when our son, Leo, entered it.

Leo was born with Down syndrome, and from the beginning, he showed us just how much strength can fit inside one tiny person. Our journey into parenthood looked different than we expected. There were fears, questions, appointments, therapies, and moments when we had no idea what came next.

But there was also an incredible community waiting for us.

The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network connects families during a time when they need support most. DSDN gives parents something that is hard to put a price on: people who understand.

Because of Leo, I became part of a community of moms I never knew I needed. These are moms who celebrate the milestones that may take a little longer. They understand the appointments, the therapies, the advocating, the paperwork, the worries, and the victories. They cheer just as loudly for the big moments as they do for the tiny ones.

Every year I get the chance to gather with nearly 400 other moms raising children with Down syndrome through the DSDN community. There is something powerful about knowing that although our families may live all over the country and our children have their own unique stories, none of us has to navigate this journey alone.

Leo has changed the way we see the world.

He has taught us to slow down and celebrate the right now. He has shown us that milestones don't need to happen on a certain timeline to be worth celebrating. He has introduced us to people who have become part of our village. Most of all, he has shown us that a Down syndrome diagnosis isn't the end of a story. It is the beginning of one we never knew we would be so lucky to live.

That is why supporting DSDN means so much to our family.

Every donation helps DSDN continue reaching new and expectant parents, building connections between families, creating resources, and reminding parents receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis that there is an entire community ready to welcome them.

We can't change the moment another family hears the words “Down syndrome.”

But together, we can help change what happens next.

We can make sure they find support.

We can make sure they find community.

We can make sure they see the beautiful, messy, ordinary, extraordinary life that can come after a diagnosis.

And we can make sure they know they are never walking this road alone.

Please consider donating to the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network in honor of our Lucky Little Leo and all the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who make this world brighter. 💙💛

Your donation enables DSDN to:

• Support and connect families online
• Fuel our Rockin' Family Fund through:
  • Pregnancy Gifts
  • Welcome Gifts
  • Memorials
  • Care Gift Cards
  • Scholarships
  • Support for local organizations
• Provide opportunities for parents to connect, be inspired and recharge at our annual Rockin' Mom™ and Dad retreats
• Talk with with medical providers about the diagnosis conversation across the US at national and regional conferences
• Work with OB/GYN residents and medical providers on how to deliver an unexpected diagnosis
• Mail print materials free of charge to local organization, medical providers and families
• Reach thousands of new families joining the Ds community each year
• Connect rockin' families to local organizations

Check out our most recent Annual Report for more details!

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
PO Box 140
Stillwater, MN 55082

We love you all,

Leo and his Rockin' Mama