DownSyn Forum

[newmom08]

Hi everyone,

As a new mom I am always looking for inspiring stories about people with DS. Reese's PT told me about this woman with DS that she saw speak at a conference. Her name is Karen Gaffney. Some of you may already know of her. I have not had the time to read over her whole web site, but what I have read is truly amazing. She swims 2 miles a day and has swam across the English Channel and Lake Tahoe. She was mainstreamed throughout her school years, graduated from H.S. with a regular diploma and and Associate Degree and Teacher's Assistant Certificate from community college. She travels around the country speaking at conferences.
I browsed her website with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart for what Reese can become one day.
Here is the link to her site:
http://www.karengaffneyfoundation.com/

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[ellenstumbo]

Thanks for sharing.

Last Christmas I stalked a young man with Ds at Target. I finally approached him and he was AMAZING! His passion was admirable and he was a strong advocate for himself and all people with disabilities. He told me all the things that the "world" will tell me about Nichole, but also told me never to believe those because her potential could never be measured, she had no limits, just like him.
His speech was perfect, his sense of humor so witty!
The most encouraged I have been by meeting an adult with Ds. He was 23, living on his own. I really think the perfect job for him would be to be the one that delivers the diagnosis of Ds to parents because he is just fantastic. Nothing about him was "less than perfect."

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Ellen, honored to be married to Andy since Feb 2003 and mom to Ellie (08/21/05) Nina (05/01/06 CP) and Nichole (10/02/07 DS)
www.elliestumbo.blogspot.com

"For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
God does not make mistakes