SHINING A LIGHT ON DOWN SYNDROME

OCTOBER IS DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH-- A TIME TO CELEBRATE PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF THEIR ABILITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

Each October, communities across the country come together to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. If you don’t know anyone with Down Syndrome, simply put: Down Syndrome is a common genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. It can lead to various medical issues, including Celiac disease, heart abnormalities, early-onset Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and thyroid problems.

Here in Evansville, I had the pleasure of sitting down with a local mother and friend of mine, Kendra Nance, to talk about her experiences, her beautiful family, and the incredible impact that S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome has had not only on her but on countless other families across the Tri-State and beyond.

A Family Rooted In Community

Kendra Nance and her husband Brock were both born and raised in Evansville, they have a deep appreciation for the support and of their hometown. “We’ve been married for eight years,” Kendra shares “We have two sons, Clark and Bryce. As a family, we love doing things together—whether it’s swimming, exploring museums and aquariums, or just participating in local events around town. Evansville has always been home.”

For the Nance family, one aspect of their life together stands out as a profound source of joy, challenge, and inspiration: their son Bryce, who was born with Down Syndrome. When Kendra and Brock welcomed Bryce into the world, they knew their lives would be forever changed.

“Bryce is the sweetest, funniest, most loving little boy,” Kendra beamed. I can vouch for Bryce. He is legitimately the cutest child I’ve ever seen--the kind of cute that makes your heart grow two sizes.

For Kendra, Bryce’s diagnosis of Down Syndrome was never something that would limit him in her eyes. Instead, it was an opportunity for growth—for Bryce, for herself, and for her family. “We want people to know that individuals with disabilities, including Down Syndrome, are not defined by their diagnosis,” Kendra emphasizes. “They are so much more than that! If you take the time to get to know someone with Down Syndrome, you’ll see that they are loving, smart, funny, and unique individuals. They have hopes and dreams just like anyone else.”

This message of acceptance and understanding is at the heart of everything Kendra advocates for, and it’s one of the driving forces behind her involvement with S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome.

S.M.I.L.E. ON DOWN SYNDROME: EMPOWERING FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS

S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome is a local organization that provides crucial resources and support for families and individuals affected by Down Syndrome. For Kendra, S.M.I.L.E. has been a lifeline—both in providing services and fostering a sense of community and inclusion for families like hers.

“S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome is so close to my heart,” says Kendra, “They offer so many supportive services, from life skills programs to fun activities that help families bond and learn together. The organization isn’t just about the individuals with Down Syndrome; it’s about lifting up the entire family.”

This organization creates a space where families can connect, build lasting friendships, and support each other. Kendra notes that S.M.I.L.E. plays an essential role in normalizing Down Syndrome and helping the community see the capabilities and potential of those with this condition.

“One of the things I love most about S.M.I.L.E. is that it doesn’t focus on limitations,” Kendra explains. “It focuses on opportunities.” It’s clear this local advocacy group gives children like Bryce a chance to thrive, to develop life skills, and most importantly, to have fun while doing it. And to me, and hopefully everyone shares this sentiment, all people deserve to have an active role in their community and feel accepted. S.M.I.L.E on Down Syndrome is doing important work.

THE S.M.I.L.E. MILE: CELEBRATING AND SUPPORTING THE DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY

Every year during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome hosts its annual fundraising event, the S.M.I.L.E. Mile. This event brings the Evansville community together to celebrate individuals with Down Syndrome and raise vital funds to continue the organization’s mission of inclusion.

“The S.M.I.L.E. Mile is such a special event for our family,” Kendra says. People come together to walk, run, and show their support for the Down Syndrome community.

The funds raised through the S.M.I.L.E. Mile go directly toward supporting the many programs and services that the organization provides. These include educational resources, life skills training, social events, and family support services. The goal is to ensure that every person with Down Syndrome in the community can lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. That journey starts with educating the community and creating partnerships.

Breaking Down Barriers

As someone who has experienced firsthand the beauty and challenges of raising a child with Down Syndrome, Kendra is passionate about changing the way the world views people with disabilities.

“If there’s one thing I want people to know,” she says thoughtfully, “it’s that people with disabilities want the same thing as everyone else— acceptance and love. They aren’t defined by their diagnosis. They are individuals with unique talents, personalities, and dreams.”

Kendra stresses the importance of taking the time to truly get to know individuals with disabilities. “If you can look past the diagnosis and really see the person, you’ll discover a whole world of love and potential.”

She hopes that through her advocacy work and the support of organizations like S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, more people will take the time to understand, accept, and appreciate individuals with Down Syndrome for who they are.

For Kendra and her family, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and hope. It’s a time to honor the incredible individuals with Down Syndrome and the families who love and support them, and it’s a reminder that with love, acceptance, and community, anything is possible.

This October, as Evansville gathers for the 23’rd annual S.M.I.L.E. Mile, Kendra will be there with her family, celebrating Bryce. Make sure you clear your calendar on October 5, 2024. All ages are welcome: children, young adults with Down syndrome, family members, friends, politicians, healthcare professionals, business leaders, high school and college students, fraternities, sororities, corporate teams, anyone, all of you. The goal is to raise $100,000 or MORE that will fund S.M.I.L.E on Down Syndrome programs serving hundreds of families in the Tri-State.

Can’t make it to the S.M.I.L.E Mile? Head over to smileondownsyndrome.org and DONATE.

To register and more info, visit smileondownsyndrome.org or visit them on Facebook: @SmileEvansville.