Support our mission at DSDN

During 2018, I have decided to dedicate myself to raising at least $3000 for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN).

Here is why. When I found out during my pregnancy that it was possible that my baby would be born with Down Syndrome, I was a bit scared. I even experienced grief-- mainly for the daughter that I imagined I would have, who didn't really exist. I was also worried about whether I would be equipped to handle such a life long responsibility. But nevertheless I knew I still wanted her. Not choosing to have her was not even an option that crossed my mind.

Do you want to know what my doctor said to me when we found out that Zee had a 91% chance of having Down syndrome? She said, and I quote, "Your daughter is going to be beautiful and perfect no matter what." And she was right! Boy, was she ever right!!!

But that support I had from the BEGINNING made all the difference in the world!!! My daughter is thriving. She is loved. She is everything to our family and to so many others who have met her and call her an angel.

That brings me to why I've chosen this nonprofit to support. Their organization is made up of parents from all over the United States and around the world who each have a child with Down syndrome. They have a great desire to ensure families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis are also receiving current information and support.

I am fundraising to support REAL change! The money raised for this organization will provide information, connections and support to new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome.

You see... I have met so many moms since Zee has been in my life who didn't have the doctor who reassured them. Their doctors not only offered them abortions- many urged or tried to force abortions. Thankfully those moms said no. But wouldn't it have been so much better for them had their healthcare providers LOVED them through the pregnancies and showed them that their children were treasures? Wouldn't those moms have been a little less afraid and a bit more proud if their doctors had the resources to send them to groups like the ones I am in, that give them support but also know what it is like to live in their shoes?

So my friends, I am asking you to help me reach the goal of $3000+ before June 1 to support this organization, because my daughter IS important and so are all the other daughters and sons out there, even if they do have an extra chromosome!

XOXOXOXOXOXO

And let me say ahead of time, a million times THANK YOU in advance to all those who decide to give. And remember every single cent counts so know that your contribution matters regardless of size!

A few extra details for you:

Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN).

DSDN mission is to connect, inform and support new families at the time of diagnosis and to impact the diagnosis conversation so that every family receives accurate, up to date information along with the diagnosis.

DSDN offers families:

• Private, moderated Birth club groups for families from Pregnancy through age 3
• Topical Subgroups for families to more deeply connect around content that matters most to them (cancer diagnosis, IEPs, single parenting, loss, Spanish speaking, etc)
• Materials to provide to medical professional, local organizations and new families http://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/local-support
• Rockin' Family Fund programming to support families with:
  • Welcome gifts
  • Care gift cards
  • Memorial gifts
  • Scholarships for Ds related events
• Our annual DSDN Rockin' Mom Retreat to connect, inspire and recharge moms within our network

As of 2017, DSDN has a board of 8, more than 100 volunteers, over 20 birth club groups, 25+ subgroups and have reached to over 4000 members worldwide!

You may also mail your donations to:

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

PO Box 140

Stillwater, MN 55082

Make sure you include my name on the donation, so it will count towards my fundraising goal!

Contributions to Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.