Support the Mission of Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

Lucky Number 21!

The number 21 has always played a significant role in my life and in my family - I was born on the 21st, as was my brother, my grandmother, my cousin's daughter, numerous friends' children, and my father even won a little in the lottery using the numbers 12-21 (chosen partly because he worked in a building with the address of 1221). And now my son Brighton has given me yet another reason to celebrate the number 21.

Brighton was born with an extra 21st chromosome - known as Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome (and to take it one step further, Brighton was born at 2lbs 1oz - see those numbers?? He knew what was up!) My husband Tim and I found out about Brighton's diagnosis when I was 14 weeks pregnant with him and his twin sister Marigold. It's a life-changing moment. There is a lot to process when you hear it because until you're faced with it, who really knows what Down syndrome means. Ultimately, what we've come to know whole-heartedly is how blessed we are to have this amazing boy in our lives. What we also know is that there are many things to learn about living life with Down syndrome and giving Brighton every opportunity we can. He's already had many challenges in his 16 months that he's faced with bravery and strength and we want to continue to support him in every way we can.

Therefore, I am fundraising to support real change! I want to support good in the world and make a difference. Help us support Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network and their mission to provide information, connections and support to new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome, like us. I found this group recently and have learned so much already just by connecting, talking, and sharing with other moms. I finally feel like I am on a path to truly being a strong and knowledgeable advocate for Brighton because of this group.

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.

Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN). If you want to have a little fun with your donation, perhaps consider one of these numbers:

$21 - Donate $21 to rock along with Brighton as he rocks his extra 21st chromosome!

$32.10 - This number may look odd, but World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, or 3/21, 3 of the 21st chromosome!

$47 - Most people have 46 total chromosomes, but due to Brighton's extra, he's rocking 47!

$101 - To acknowledge the day Brighton came into this world, 10/1!

But really, any number you choose will be greatly appreciated and will only go to support this group that continues to support me.

Please take a look below for some more detailed information about what DSDN provides to families. I am thrilled to be attending the DSDN Rockin' Mom Retreat this year as well so I can connect and grow in this community of rockin' families!

Thank you from Brighton and all of the Mansour family!

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.