3/21 Thank You

Things I Learned this World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (Saturday, 3-21):
I’ll cut to the chase–you all are amazing.

Two weeks ago, we told you the story of Zach and Ali and what Ruby’s Rainbow is doing to help individuals with Down syndrome go to college.  We asked you to make the 3-21 pledge and donate $21 to Ruby’s Rainbow and ask three friends to do the same.

People, you did it. Ready for the final total?  $118,000! And donations are still being made, not to mention several businesses have offered to donate proceeds from this month’s sales to the cause.

What this means is that you believe in a better future, and that is the first step toward success. We hope schools, teachers, administrators, coaches and employers will believe in our kids’ future like you have. We have success stories like Zach and Ali’s leading the way, and even if the college path isn’t for every child, their stories and your support of them provides such an incredible wave of forward movement that affects us all in wonderful ways.

So thank you. Thank you for rallying and demonstrating such a beautiful example of community. Liz and her husband are thrilled and are already receiving new applicants for scholarships.

I was also so pleased to see World Down Syndrome Awareness Day recognized by so many this year. I saw several businesses posting their support of the celebration as well as many individuals adding their voice to the community. It means so much to so many moms, and I only hope every parent of every child with special needs has the opportunity to feel that their child is seen and that their unique journey is recognized.

Thank you for making this year’s World Down Syndrome Awareness Day so special.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been brought to tears, so thankful for the fact that Nella was born into this decade, her way paved by so many families before us and her journey supported by a loving community that fights for change and steps in to help us raise the ceiling of opportunity.

You all were part of something really beautiful these past two weeks. We couldn’t have done it without you.