7 minute read
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: IN HONOR OF DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH
Stories shared simply through images
By Christia Woodford
KYLE DEHOFF
Kyle has Down syndrome and autism and is a leukemia survivor! Kyle loves carousels, fairs and amusement parks. He also loves traveling with his family.
RUSTY HATCHETT
Look into camp--I have always loved going, and still do. Look into sleep apnea--my CPAP machine changed my life. Educate, Advocate, Inspire.
NICHOLAS SCHOONVELD
Nick effortlessly inspires us to be present in every moment and to live a life filled with enthusiasm and joy for the little things.
MIA ACCINELLI
Mia has been a blessing to our family from the day she was born. She brings light to our family. Mia is very much a “typical” teenage girl. She likes music, movies, cheerleading, dancing, track, her dog, and her family. She loves getting dressed up. Her absolute favorite thing to do is perform for other people.
AYO(I-TO) ARMBRUSTER
Ayo is 5 years old and loves all things babies. In this picture, she is holding her baby cousin. You can see the love and excitement in her face. She loves babies so much she still calls her little brother “baby”, which he now thinks is his actual name.
MYLAH LEE PERRY
Mylah is downright amazing and has come so far in two years. She has overcome so much, from being in the NICU for the first two months of her life, to having open heart surgery, to multiple hospital stays, and still, she smiles and finds happiness in her days. She lights up a room and everyone falls in love with her.
COLLIN GREEN
Collin surprised us in a big way at birth when we discovered he had an extra chromosome. Since that day, Collin has continued to surprise us by making us fall so deeply in love with him every day. He has brought our family closer together, and his brother Levi and sister Avery love having him as their baby brother! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things Collin will do!
KIA DAVENPORT
When you look at this picture you see her smile. But behind that smile is a story. In August 2022, Kia lost her mother unexpectedly. Her mother was her last living parent. In the past year, Kia’s life has changed dramatically- from a new home after living with her mom for 20 years, to new therapists, new friends, and new everything. But still, Kia smiles. Her smile represents resilience, determination, and courage. What’s the story behind your smile?
CASON SMITH
I remember the early days of worry and wonderings about my son’s future. Cason just graduated from high school and is now ready to take on the next adventure! I learned when Cason was young to not put too much stock in what the books and medical literature said [about his condition]. I allowed him to show me who he was and what he could do by not putting expectations on him.
THEODORE RAPP
Theo is the absolute human form of sunshine and his bright personality brings joy to everyone that gets the chance to know him. When we first received his T21 diagnosis, we were overwhelmed with the what-ifs and dwelled on the future. He has quickly taught us that each day, no matter the difficulties that accompany it, comes with a reason to be happy and celebrate. You just have to learn how to spot the sunshine, even if it’s just a little shimmering ray.
ADDISON SHAW
Addison is 3 years old. She is a heart warrior who had open heart surgery when she was just 8 months old. She is such a sweet and happy little girl. She uses some sign language to communicate with her friends and family. She loves preschool and meeting new kids. She loves to laugh and play with her big sister Natalya. Her favorite things to do are read books, play with baby dolls, dance, and watch Baby Shark and Peppa Pig.
MAXWELL MEUNIER
If you have had the pleasure of meeting Max, you have felt pure joy! This boy came into my life as a student in my classroom. He has done amazingly well. Learning, talking, walking, making friends, smashing his goals. He always has a smile on his face, loves to dance, and gives hugs. He spreads joy in every room he is in, to every person he meets. He has fought so hard. He is an absolute inspiration, and stronger than I will ever be. My life will forever be better for having met him and his family.
LANDYN STEMMLER
These children are such an inspiration and teach us so much
CHARLIE, MAX, SAM AND DANNY DEGNAN Brothers are the best!
ZEEK BRADLEY BERGFIELD
Zeek is the light of our lives. We feel so to be one of the lucky few!
AUBREY SMITH
Aubrey is a member of the Fishers High School Champions Together Track Team. She received a varsity letter this year!
WESLIE HARDIN
Wes is full of love! She brings so much joy to our lives. We are the lucky few.
AIDEN GEHRES
A diagnosis that was initially so scary has been such a gift to our family. We love our Aiden.
RICKY HULL
My brother, Ricky, who was 63 in August, received a proclamation from the Avon Town Council for raising awareness for individuals with Down syndrome. He raised over $9,000. Ricky is also an honorary Avon police officer.
SAMANTHA ADAMS
At just 2 months old, Samantha has brought us so much joy already. So grateful to be part of the “lucky few” community.
KELLY LYONS
Kelly is a 20-year-old self-advocate who has her own dog-walking business, called Kelly’s Kritters. She has been visiting Congress annually for more than a decade to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome.
JACOB KINDRED
Sweet, happy, boy!
RAEGAN TEAGAN
Best friends for ever!
CANA GUILFOY
Enjoy every small moment of success!
LILAH BARTLETT
A favorite part of Lilah’s day is riding on the school bus. We love our Tippecanoe School Corporation bus drivers for always keeping her safe to and from school!
JAKE KELLEY
Jake is 29 years old and has brought so much joy to our lives. He lives life to the fullest. He is so much more than a person with Down syndrome. He is an individual with his own life and dreams.
