Down Syndrome Association of South Texas • 2800 NW Loop 410 • San Antonio, TX 78230 • (210) 349-4372

Volume 16, Issue 3JULY 2014

Executive Director .................. 1

14th Annual Buddy Walk ...2-3

Playgroup ................................. 4

Kid Connection ...................... 4

Teen Club ................................ 4

Adult Matters! ......................... 4

My Story! ................................. 4

Special Ed Academy. .............. 4

Mini Conference Series ......... 5

Spanish Parent Meeting ......... 5

Board Highlight ...................... 6

Self-Advocate News ............... 6

Outreach .................................. 7

H-E-B Art Contest ................. 7

Reflections ............................... 7

Ace Tutor ................................. 7

Meet Sean ................................ 8

D.A.D.S. ................................... 8

AccessAbility Fest ................... 9

Fiesta Especial ......................... 9

Advocates Conference ......... 10

Contributions ........................ 11

Who We Are ......................... 11

Connect With Us .................. 11

Calendar of Events ............... 12

What’s inside...

www.dsastx.org

DownsDownsMessage from Terri Mauldin ...

Keeping Up With

Welcome to the summer issue of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas’ newsletter! Summer is in full swing with lots of events, changes, and additions to the DSASTX.

The Spring Picnic was held on Sunday, May 18th and was a huge success! We had over 250 people attend and everyone had a wonderful time. I want to thank Jeffrey Dillahunty, with Serial Grillers, for doing all the grilling, the exhibitors that provided the games and activities for the guests, and all the families that came out to enjoy a wonderful day.

On Saturday, June 7th, the 11th Annual Audrey’s Day at the Beach was held in Rockport, Texas. There were lots of families that attended this awesome event and enjoyed sun, water, food, and tons of fun. Thank you again to the Shockleys and all the volunteers in Rockport! Bill, Jackie, Ray, and Aggie always host a wonderful event enjoyed by all!

Don’t forget the Buddy Walk will be held on Saturday, September 27th at Heroes Stadium. The Buddy Walk registration site is open and ready for team registration and donations. We are asking everyone that has registered or donated in the past to PLEASE use your login information from last year. For more information, please see the article later in this newsletter.

I want to send a HUGE thank you to Mary Jane Hardy supporting the DSASTX with $18,000 in proceeds from her book, Spiritual Treasurers of Downtown San Antonio!

The DSASTX participated in the first ever citywide online giving day on Tuesday, May 6th, The Big Give SA. This endeavor allowed us to raise over $4,200 for our programs! The city of San Antonio raised over $2.1 million overall for several various charities. So, thank you to all that participated and be ready for next year!!

Lastly, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the Dana Smith-Anderson family. Dana passed away on May 8th after a long, hard battle with scleroderma. Dana was the president of the DSASTX in 2006-2007 and was instrumental in hiring the first ever Executive Director. Dana will truly be missed and we pray for her husband, Ted, sons Theo and Aaron and her entire family and friends.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of your summer and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Buddy Walk on September 27th.

Terri Mauldin

SAVE THESE DATES!

August 16 DSASTX Day at Splashtown

September 27 14th Annual Buddy Walk

November 15 DSASTX Mini-Conference

December 22 DSASTX Holiday Party

Dana Smith-Anderson

2

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

the La Cantera Hill Country Resort, a spot in the 2016 DSASTX calendar, or a copier/printer/scanner for the home. In order to be eligible for prizes, the deadline to submit donations is midnight on Saturday, September 20th.

AWARDS: Top 3 teams – the top 3 fundraising teams as of midnight, September 20th will receive VIP canopies, a goody basket and recognition on the day of the walk. The team that raises the most money will walk with the Honorary Buddy and win a Strider Bike!

CoRpoRAte SponSoRS: Thank you to the HEB Tournament of Champions, Valero, Grande Communications, Speech and Language Center at Stone Oak, Royal Management, The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, AHMSA International, Whataburger, North Park Lexus, Texas Capital Bank, CRG, Deerfield Animal Hospital, Institute for Women's Health, Ageless Living Home Health, Broadway Bank, Frito-Lay, Child's Play Therapeutic Homecare, and Mr. W Fireworks for their sponsorship of Buddy Walk 2014. If you know of a company that is interested in sponsoring the Buddy Walk, please contact the DSASTX office at (210) 349-4372.

WAlk DAy VolunteeRS: If you are interested in volunteering on the day of the walk, please register online at www.dsastx.org or contact the DSASTX office at (210) 349-4372 or info@dsastx.org.

14th Annual Buddy Walk!the 2014 BuDDy WAlk will be held Saturday, September 27 at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks (near Morgan’s Wonderland) beginning at 7:00 a.m. Please join the San Antonio community as we celebrate the gifts and diversity of children, men, and women with Down syndrome and help raise awareness of the need for acceptance and inclusion of these wonderful people!

SCheDule of eVentS: 7:00 a.m. Registration 7:00 a.m. Exhibitors and Entertainment Begins 8:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 9:00 a.m. Buddy Walk begins around Heroes Stadium

ReGIStRAtIon IS fRee! However, registration is still required by September 5th to guarantee a Buddy Walk t-shirt. T-shirts are not guaranteed if registering on the day of the walk. In addition, pre-registered t-shirts must be picked up prior to 9:00 a.m. at the Buddy Walk. Remember, Buddy Walk is the DSASTX’s biggest fundraiser of the year, so in lieu of a registration fee, we encourage you to make a tax deductible contribution and to raise donations from family and friends to support the programs and services of the DSASTX. Prizes will be awarded for the top fundraisers!

Registration is now available online at www.dsastx.org. Just click on the Buddy Walk link and follow the directions provided. You may also print out a registration form and mail it in. Though registration is free, you must register in order to receive your t-shirt. You can also create your own Buddy Walk personal page to share with family, friends, doctors, therapists, and colleagues. It’s a convenient and simple way to share information about Buddy Walk and raise money through personalized emails to your supporters. The online portal also allows you to share posts on your Facebook and Twitter accounts to encourage your friends and family to join your team and make a donation in honor of your buddy.

pRe-WAlk t-ShIRt pICk up: Register, pick up your t-shirts, or submit donations at the Buddy Walk Pre-Walk T-shirt Pickup to be held on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas’ office at 2800 NW Loop 410 (access road on eastbound 410 between Cherry Ridge and Vance Jackson). Remember, all pre-registered shirts MuSt be picked up prior to 9:00 a.m. at the Buddy Walk or they will not be guaranteed.

pRIzeS: For every $500 raised, the participant’s name will go into a drawing for a chance to win one of four prizes including a beachhouse stay in Port Aransas, a one-night stay and breakfast at

Presented by:

Therapeutic Homecare

Child’s Play

3

www.dsastx.org

DSA

Fundraising IdeasRAISe $500 In one Week ... 7 DAyS!: Day 1 - Sponsor yourself for $25 Day 2 - Ask three family members for $25 Day 3 - Ask five friends to donate $15 Day 4 - Ask five coworkers to sponsor you for $10 (don't forget to ask your conpany about matching gifts) Day 5 - Email fifteen contacts asking them for a $10 donation Day 6 - Ask your company for a $75 contribution Day 7 - Ask two businesses you frequent for $25

At SChool: Dress Down Day - Get the whole school on board by incorporating a Dress Down Day. For a $5 donation, a student or teacher could dress in jeans or other casual clothes for a day instead of the uniform. If students already have a casual dress policy, invite them to wear a hat or silly socks. It also helps to remind the school that October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Letter Writing Assignment - Students can compete to see who receives a donation from the longest distance away. Ask them to write letters about the Buddy Walk to people or companies located out of your state or out of the country. The student who brings in a check from the farthest point wins a prize.

At WoRk: Fundraising for a joint cause at the workplace is a great way to have fun and increase morale. For example, one district manager of a national retail chain encouraged her company to participate in raising money for the Buddy Walk. The employees of each store challenged one another to form at least one team per store and raise money. Another way to have your company raise money is to have a Dress Down Day with the money collected going towards the Buddy Walk.

At A plACe of WoRShIp: Reach out to your religious community members and ask to put a poster on the bulletin board or see if an announcement can be made during a service. You can leave a donation envelope in the coffee room or lobby and see if the youth group is looking for a social action activity. Invite the congregation to attend the Buddy Walk and raise both awareness and funds in your community.

In youR CoMMunIty: Host a car wash, dog wash, garage sale or bake sale.

Dimes for Down Syndrome Display a Dimes for Down Syndrome can in a prominent area at the doctor, dentist, dry cleaner, hairdresser, or supermarket checkout counter and include a short note about raising money for the Buddy Walk to encourage people to donate their dimes and spare change. Decorate the cans with your logo and information about the SA Buddy Walk.

We are currently recruiting Buddy Walk Volunteer “veterans” and “newbies” to help make this year’s event an even bigger success! Last year we had approximately 390 volunteers!

We utilize individual volunteers and groups. Volunteer registration can be completed at www.dsastx.com by clicking on the Buddy Walk link. If you have a group interested in volunteering, please contact Kelly Toepperwein. We are requesting volunteers for the following on the day of Buddy Walk:

Shifts: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (includes set up) 5:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (includes break down)

Sections: Unload trucks and set up (5:00 a.m. start time) Registration T-shirt distribution Water distribution Children’s activities Decorations Break down and load the trucks (around 1:00 p.m.)

Volunteers

• If you have registered for Buddy Walk in previous years, please use the same login information. If you do not remember your login, click the “forgot login” to have a reminder sent to your email or call the DSASTX office.

• Enter name and address using correct punctuation and capitalization for your record to be accurate.

• When making a donation, you must click on the team name or participant’s name you want credited.

• Last year’s top fundraising team raised over $7,900!• Personalize your page by sharing a picture and story.• Send emails to your contact list and post directly to your

Facebook or Twitter account.

Website Tips

• Over $170,000 raised for the DSASTX• Record-breaking attendance at over 5,500 Buddy Walkers• Over 30 community exhibitors• 2,000 bottles of water were donated• 260 registered volunteers for over 1,500 hours of service• An additional 130 volunteers arrived to help at 0 dark hundred!

2013 Highlights

4

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

WhAt DoeS BuDDy WAlk MeAn to you? We have celebrated many milestones, birthdays and even tough times together. We want to take a moment to congratulate all of you on how far you have come and for supporting your loved ones along their journey. We also want to thank you for sharing those special moments with us.

We would like to feature you and your loved one to show how your family has evolved and how the DSASTX has been there along your journey.

If you are interested, please provide one short paragraph about how the DSAStX has been there for you, whether it is through the connections and friendships you have made, the information and support you have received, or the social events that have made you feel like you have a larger family than you realized. We would also love to know what the Buddy Walk means to you and your family! Why do you Buddy Walk?

Please write one short paragraph, not to exceed 80 words, and send one or two pictures that you think best fits that story and email it to info@dsastx.org with the subject “My Story.”

Please note, this may be used on social media or other DSASTX material in the future. If you would like assistance writing your story, just ask us! We would love to help!

My Story!

All Monthly ACtIVItIeS InVolVe All of the DSAStX GRoupS: Playgroup, Kid Connection, Teen Club and Adult Matters. (One additional activity is listed at the end of the article for Teen Club and Adult Matters!.) please RSVp for each event to Melania evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372.

Playgroup playgroup is a playtime for children ages 0-3. The DSASTX will pay for entry fees to these activities (if applicable) for the child with Down syndrome and their siblings.

Kid Connection kid Connection is our gathering designed for family social activities. We welcome all children with special needs and their families! Our events are specifically designed for ages 4-12. The DSASTX will pay the admission for the individual with Down syndrome and their siblings. Parents are responsible for their own admission. A discounted rate will be offered when possible.

Teen Club the teen Club is open to all teens with any disability between the ages of 13 and 17. The goal of the Teen Club is to foster friendships, stimulate socialization, and increase positive self-esteem. Chaperones will be in attendance at each event. The cost of Teen Club events will be covered by the DSASTX for the teen and one special needs, age-appropriate friend.

Adult Matters! Adult Matters! is a social program specifically designed for adults with special needs ages 18 and older. The focus is on providing an environment to help them further develop their social skills, build friendships among other adults with special needs, and offer them safe and appropriate interactions within the community. In order to foster that environment, we encourage them to invite an age-appropriate peer (another adult with special needs) to participate with them. DSASTX will pay the participation fee for both of them.

SAtuRDAy, AuGuSt 16 – DSAStX DAy At SplAShtoWn Splashtown is located at 3600 IH 35 North, San Antonio, TX 78219. Check-in is from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. *families must arrive by 11:30 a.m. so that tickets may be purchased – no eXCeptIonS.* DSASTX will provide free admission for individuals with Down syndrome (ages 0-12) and their siblings (ages 17 and under) oR DSASTX will provide free admission for teens and adults with Down syndrome (ages 13 and up) and one friend with special needs. Any additional tickets for parents, friends, adult siblings, and extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) will be charged the group rate admission. you MuSt RSVp to Melania evans at (210) 349-4372 or mevans@dsastx.org no later than Monday, August 11. Don't forget your towel and sunscreen!

Social Activities SAtuRDAy, SepteMBeR 27 – 14th AnnuAl BuDDy WAlk 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Drive

plAyGRoup & kID ConneCtIon SAtuRDAy, oCtoBeR 25 – MoRGAn'S WonDeRlAnD 10:00 a.m., 5223 David Edwards Drive. RSVp by october 17 to Melania evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372.

teen CluB & ADult MAtteRS! SAtuRDAy, oCtoBeR 11 – ARt/pAIntInG DAy 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Beach House Arts, 114 N. Ellison, #403. RSVp by october 6 to Melania evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372. SAtuRDAy, oCtoBeR 18 – BoWlInG nIGht More details to come!

InnovatIve PractIces forstudents wIth dIsabIlItIes

register in ilearning ($50):https://ilearning.esc20.net

5

www.dsastx.org

DSADSA

www.dsastx.org

We are transitioning from our monthly Parent Information Meetings to a quarterly Mini Conference Series in order to

better serve our families. We will continue hosting our monthly Spanish meetings; however the remaining Parent Information

Meetings have been CAnCelleD for the rest of the year (July - December). We apologize for any disruption, but really

hope that this will provide our parents with more flexibility and increase access to the information.

Save The Date :our first Mini Conference will be held on

Saturday, August 23rd!!Coker United Methodist Church, 231 E. North Loop Rd.,

Wesley Building. Registration and light breakfast: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. Roundtable discussions and lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Here is a sneak peak about what’s in store for you!

DSAStX Mini Conference Series There will be breakout sessions with multiple guest speakers on topics related to ALL ages. You will have the opportunity

to attend up to three sessions and network with other parents.

Speakers & topics include: • Jennifer Fitzhugh on the ARD process

• Anissa Moore on Potty Training • Yolanda Flores on Medicaid Waiver Programs

• Spanish Sessions include Lisa Lee from Ability Pediatrics Therapy

• & So Much More!!

Stay Tuned For More Details!

* Childcare will be provided for children up to age 12. Please RSVP and direct any questions or suggestions for topics of interest

to Melania Evans at mevans@dsastx.org or (210) 349-4372.

The DSASTX is making some exciting changes!!DSA SpAnISh pARent InfoRMAtIon MeetInG

español YMCA Westside

2900 Ruiz, San Antonio, TX 78228

Miércoles, 18 de Junio “Estructuras Familiares”- Pamela Ramsey

Miércoles, 16 de Julio “Edades y Etapas de Desarrollo” – Brighton Center

Miércoles, 20 de Agosto “Desarrollo Infantil” – Brighton Center

!Por favor confirma tu asistencia! Habrá guardería disponible para niños de 3 meses a 12 años de edad. Contaremos con una cena ligera. Por favor RESERVA tu lugar para contar con suficiente comida. Llame la oficina al 210-349-4372 o correo electrónico a mevans@dsastx.org.

6

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

Board HighlightfoCuS on BoARD MeMBeR JuDIth MoenInG Judith Moening has just completed her first full year as a member of the DSA board and is celebrating the opportunity to be part of our organization. Judith is a lifelong special educator who retired from the public school system in June 2013 where she served for 11 years as Executive Director for Special Education in the North East ISD here in San Antonio. She currently works across the country as a consultant for Stetson & Associates, a Houston-based consulting firm where she focuses on inclusion of students with disabilities into the general education program. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Judith is a lifelong Texan, born in Dallas, raised in Houston, and a San Antonian for the past 12 years. Judith is married to Bud, a retired Air Force Colonel. She has three grown daughters and nine grandchildren. Judith loves to share stories about her grandchildren. Her fourth grade grandson recently experienced the STAAR writing test last spring. The writing prompt for the essay was to describe his favorite place to visit and to share why. Ian’s favorite place to visit was … you guessed it … Grandma’s house. Judith and Bud like to travel, garden, and spend quality time with family. They are also hikers and love to spend time exploring in the National Parks.

As a special education teacher and administrator for many years, Judith has had the pleasure of working with numerous children with Down syndrome and their families. She is a passionate believer in the power of inclusive programming to increase achievement and opportunities for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also an advocate for parents working collaboratively with local schools to improve educational opportunities for their children.

For exercise, Judith enjoys walking. She has participated in five half-marathons and is looking forward to training for number six next fall. In the meantime she walks in her north side neighborhood or Hardberger Park where she keeps a daily count of deer and rabbit observations. When asked about jogging, she states that she is a pretty fast “shuffler” and feels good when a mile is completed in under 15 minutes.

With her experience and expertise, we appreciate Judith’s participation on the DSASTX Board of Directors.

Judith Moening

Self-Advocate NewsBy Jessaca Bond

This month I would like to talk about something a little different, but very personal to me. I learned that I had Down syndrome when I was about 13 years old and it was pretty difficult for me for a while. I want to share this with you because maybe it will help either individuals or parents in the same situation.

I would like to take you back about 20 years ago when I was 13 years old and lived in Converse, Texas.

That was when I learned that I had Down syndrome. I was just finishing a class. The building I was in had double doors that I opened and one person came right up to me and said, “You have Down syndrome” right to my face and then walked away. I froze. I did not know what to do or say, and nobody was around to help me. I didn’t even know what Down syndrome was, but the way she said it made me feel bad.

After school that day, my mother picked me up, and I was silent when we were in the car all the way home. When we got home I said, “Mom, do I have Down syndrome? She said yes I did. I wanted to know what Down syndrome was and what I could do to change it or to get rid of it. I didn’t want to have “it.” Mom explained a lot to me, but I still wasn’t sure I believed it or what to think. Another question I had for Mom was why hadn’t SHE told me about it. I told her it was really awful to find out from someone at school! She said she thought I would ask about things when I was ready to talk about it, but with these circumstances, she wished she had talked with me earlier. It was very hard for me to accept for quite a long time!

Through the years I have learned more and come to understand more. I have struggled with some issues, but I think most people struggle with something. Once I realized I couldn’t change the fact that I have Down syndrome, I just wanted to be the best “ME” that I could be.

In the year 2001, we came back to San Antonio. I became involved in Special Olympics and also the Down Syndrome Association. Both organizations have helped me grow and pointed me in new directions. I have gained self-confidence and become more satisfied with who I am. Now I am very passionate about helping others.

Sometimes, I still wonder what it would be like if I didn’t have Down syndrome … but then I realize I wouldn’t have met the same wonderful people or had the same great experiences that I’ve had either. I wouldn’t like that! I guess I’ll just keep moving forward and enjoy life!

Jessaca Bond

www.dsastx.org

7DSA

ReflectionsBy Dale, Holly and Ty Schlundt

CReAtInG A fAMIly fRoM pReVIouS StRAnGeRS It is amazing how nervous a future parent can be at the moment one learns of their new unborn son or daughter. Especially my wife and I for our baby boy Ty. Even more amazing is how much you begin to love them from that very first moment of newfound knowledge. I would venture a guess that is why when you learn they have Down syndrome, your worries for their wellbeing only multiply. Then you find individuals who are truly “there” for you from the first time you meet them. Individuals who are very well aware there is no grand reward for being there for you, but nonetheless, take on the task. These are the people of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas. In a word, selfless.

Holly, Dale & Ty

OutreachWe WoulD lIke to WelCoMe ouR neWeSt fAMIlIeS to the DoWn SynDRoMe ASSoCIAtIon fAMIly! If you know someone who has a child or family member with Down syndrome, please let them know about the DSAStX and the services we provide. We’d be happy to reach out to help in any way possible!

Paul and Laura Zarsky, parents of Claire Edna Buenrostro and Jose Trevino, parents of Ethan Kelli Gordon and James Henry, parents of Kaylei Norma Serna, mother of Agustin (Tino) Beatriz Fox and Ricardo Diaz, parents of Celeste John and Jainey Delgado, grandparents of Janie Lacey Gates, mother of Jorden Gabriela Sanchez, mother of Eliana Joshua and Kimberly Flores, parents of Charlotte Weston and Jessica Whiteaker, parents of Colton Karen Ottinger, mother of Rachel Willie and Josie Colunga, parents of Edward Dorothy Ortiz, mother of Mara Sonia Soria and Enrique Ortega, parents of Penelope Tiffany Gutierrez and Zachary Zambrano, parents of Ariana Rosalinda Galindo, grandparent of Annabelle Gloria McMinn, mother of Eric Pearl Garcia and Juan Turcios, parents of Hector Jessica Gonzalez and Angel Paralitici, parents of Travis Katherine West, mother of Olivia Brian Garza, brother of Albert Joseph Hernandez, father of Joseph Jr. Debbie Schulz, mother of Jacob Jocivus and Raquel Lopez, parents of Jocelyn Raymond and Stephanie Christian, parents of Collin Martha Canales, mother of Isaiah Matt and Melissa Lawrence, parents of Jake Greg and Jenny Leonard, parents of Amanda

StuDent hIGhlIGhtS At the end of October 2012, the Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program began an Incentive program to increase tutoring sessions. Three student/tutors have completed 48 sessions since the beginning of the Incentive program and will be highlighted in the coming issues of this newsletter. The first highlight follows:

Katy and Ashley Katy Walding was 24 years old when she began tutoring with Ashley Orndorff in August 2012, which means they already had numerous tutoring sessions before the beginning of the ACE Incentive program. They have since completed 48 sessions between 11/5/2012 and 5/22/2014. Katy’s mother stated she wanted to improve her reading comprehension, writing and critical thinking skills. She has certainly accomplished this already! Her tutor, Ashley, states that “Katy has grown so much since we started tutoring in 2012 and I know she has an outstanding future ahead of her.” Katy has moved up a grade level in reading and math by increasing her math skills from two digits to three digit problems!! Katy received the award for “Creative Writing” at our ACE Appreciation Night for her outstanding achievements. Keep up the good work, Katy!!

Ashley’s experience with the Buddy Walk gave her the incentive to join the ACE program and loves spending time with Katy. She said Katy always has great stories and she’s constantly learning new things about her, including the fact that she is a USA Olympian! Additionally, Ashley has volunteered her time to create marketing material for the DSASTX events and even developed our own ACE logo! Katy and Ashley have had great academic success as a team but, more importantly, they have developed a deep friendship and that is something that is to be commended for! We want to show our appreciation to our volunteer tutor for contributing to the continued success of Katy’s academic skills. Thank you, Ashley!!

ACE Tutor

Katy and Ashley

8

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

Meet SeanApril 12, 2005 is a day that would send our lives on a completely different path than we could have ever imagined. Married just over a year, Sean would be our first child and the beginning of what we hoped would be the first of many perfect children to form a perfect family. However, it seems God had chosen a different road for us to take.

We sit here and watch Sean who is now nine, happily play with his brothers; it is a wonder how far we as a family have come since the first few hours of his life. Being born early at 35 weeks Sean was placed in the NICU. It was not until the next day that a NICU nurse noticed Sean had features of a baby with Down Syndrome thus prompting the doctors to run tests to confirm his diagnosis. Disbelief and shock were a few of the words to describe our feelings at the time. The only thing we knew for certain was that we knew nothing about Down Syndrome. After 13 days in the NICU we were finally able to take Sean home. To be honest, our mental state at the time was not that of a happy couple taking their firstborn home. We were scared, and uncertain of what to expect. We felt we were the only people in the world that this was happening to. We were told by the doctors of what to expect. All the medical problems he would have and how he would act, and most importantly the life we would be confined to. However, the hardest thing to overcome was not Sean’s condition, but the abrupt end to our dreams of having that so-called perfect family. Sean would not be the typical American child growing up playing baseball, going to school, and having lots of friends and so many other things we had envisioned for him.

As far as we knew all those dreams were out the door.

As we all know, babies are a lot of work. Midnight feedings, a continuous parade of diapers to be changed, crying for reasons only babies know, bottles to be cleaned, clothes to be washed, etc. It did not take very long for us to realize that our little guy with Down syndrome was not very different than the baby next door. They have the same needs, the same wants, they need the same love, and that is exactly what we gave him and in return that was what he gave us back. We finally began to feel Sean heal our hearts and he began to show us the true meaning of unconditional love. Over time we began to learn more about Sean’s disability and began to understand and experience everything any other family would experience; however, it was all going to be at Sean’s pace.

The fondest memory to date would be his first experience playing t-ball. We remember as though it was yesterday. It was his last game and the parents from both teams were cheering him on as he hit the ball off the tee without any assistance. What a great feeling it was running alongside him as he headed to first base, then second and third and finally home. What a proud moment that was for him and for us as parents. He was extremely happy showing off his first trophy and we were happy just knowing that this was going to be one of many moments to be proud of.

Sean

We mentioned earlier that we never thought Sean would be a typical American kid, but boy we were wrong. It’s hard to believe that it’s the middle of summer and he’s already talking about going back to school. He sure does miss it. He loves his teacher, Ms. Darden, and her assistant, Mrs. Mendez. It’s heartwarming seeing him run to them each and every morning and greeting them with a hug. I know that he is in good hands and that he is being guided with love, and patience. I would have to say it is probably hard to find a person at his school who doesn’t know who he is. If there was an award to be given to Sean today, it would be for being Mr. Congeniality. His vibrant personality is enough to brighten a room. He has shown us and those around him his beautiful smile and his gentle heart. He has a love for the zoo and elephants. Just the mention of the two has him dancing with pure joy. It’s also amazing how much joy he gets from music. You can definitely count on him asking you to turn the radio louder so that he can move to the beat. If you want to see him light up just bring him a ball or a flashlight. These are the two things he loves the most. The simplest things in life are what make him the happiest.

When we think about it, Sean’s world is a happy one! He enjoys playing tag or hide and seek with his brothers. He loves playing with the iPad. It’s hard to break him away from a game of Angry Birds or Doodle Jump. He loves hanging out with his cousins or playing with his dog Charlie. His favorite food is pizza. If he could have it every day, he would. He loves the beach and he definitely loves staying the night with his grandma and his grandpa (KiKi). He knows that this is the place where he is the center of attention. The relationship he has with his grandparents is a special one and the relationship he has with his brothers is just as amazing.

In the beginning we use to ask God “Why us?” Friends would come up to us and say “God only blesses special people with special babies.” We didn’t ask to be special. We didn’t want to be special. We just wanted to be what we thought normal was. Well, we now know what normal is. Normal is Sean. Normal is our family. The tears, the laughter, and the joys we experience with Sean and his two brothers, Thomas and Ryan, is what we consider to be normal and what we consider to be a blessing. Yes, we are blessed!

picking up Momentum! With new director, Keith Askin, and a planning committee in place, the D.A.D.S. group enjoyed a well-attended event at Dave & Buster's in June. The

group leaders intend to keep the momentum going. In fact, mark your calendar for the next event, which will be a Missions game on Tuesday, August 12. We are also excited to announce the annual D.A.D.S. golf tournament set for Monday, April 6, 2015. Details will follow soon. If you know of any fathers, brothers, uncles or grandfathers who would be interested in this group, please have them contact Keith at kaskin76@gmail.com or (210) 313-7457.

D.A.D.S.

9DSA

www.dsastx.org

10

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

We sincerely appreciate the following people who have so generously donated to the Down Syndrome Association. your contributions help us offer a variety of programs for the members of our organization.

11

www.dsastx.org

DSA

Who We AreMISSIon StAteMent

The DSASTX's mission is to provide support and services to children and adults with Down

syndrome and their families.

eXeCutIVe DIReCtoR Terri Mauldin

(210) 349-4375 • tmauldin@dsastx.org

CoMMunIty outReACh CooRDInAtoR Kelly Toepperwein

(210) 349-4372 • ktoepperwein@dsastx.org

SpeCIAl eVentS CooRDInAtoR Melania Evans

(210) 349-4372 • mevans@dsastx.org

BookkeepeR Cynthia Smith

(210) 349-4372 • csmith@dsastx.org

ADult ContInuInG eDuCAtIon DIReCtoR Oralia Lara

210-349-4372 • olara@dsastx.org

BoARD of DIReCtoRS

Chairperson – Edward Leos Vice Chairperson – Michelle Pettit

Secretary – Stephanie Anderson Treasurer/Finance – Christy Anderson

Member at Large – Jessaca Bond Member at Large – Eric Swellander

Member at Large – Barbara Samfield Member at Large – Lamont Jefferson

Member at Large – Scott McLean Member at Large – Lisa Drozdick

Member at Large – Judith Moening Member at Large – Belarmino Castellanos

Contributions

www.facebook.com/downsynstx

www.pinterest.com/downsynstxwww.twitter.com/downsynstx

Albert HernandezAlexandra GuerraAlfred GaonaAlfred MontalvoAlfredo MartinAT&T United Way Employee Giving CampaignAubrey SteffenBarbara LipeBarbara SamfieldBerniece T. GibsonCasey L. BondCathy RamirezCenter for Maternal-Fetal CareLisa LegrandChristiane GarciaDana KeithDeborah G. LumbertDebra AlbrightDennis NisiDennis NollDerek SanchezDonald BerubeDonna JohnsonEdith AmbresterEdward LeosElizabeth KroppElna JeanesFelinda P. EllisFernando M. GonzalezFrank SpinnerGabriela V. MacielGeorge RobertsGinger BrittonGuy SeayHolly SchlundtHomer VallejoJanice TroyJesse MedinaJill HillJim ReiffJoanne M. AlmeterJohn KasimosJoseph HernandezJudith LauferJudith MoeningJulie ThomasKara SagebielKaren SwartzendruberKathy Ann CarrizalesKeller Williams LegacyKelly M. ToepperweinLisa DrozdickLise De LeonLori AlvaradoLuke A. Castellanos

Lydia BeachLynda A. HaileManuel HuertaManuel MaldonadoMaria E. WeaverMaria HeyMarie CassidyMartha DeLeonMartha ZickMary CarrilloMary Jane HardyMatt LawrenceMatt MauldinMegan CraneMelissa ToudouzeMichael GordonMichael PasquarellaMichelle L. PettitMinnie GomezMissy J. PrewitMonica PedrozaNicole CangelosiOralia LaraP.E.C. United Charities, Inc.Paracutin Civic and Educational Foundation, Inc.Patricia ShoemakerPolly ToepperweinRachel M. LangasRaul OrtizRebecca MontalvoRick VillarrealRobin GreinerRobin JerstadRyan KohnenSchool Sisters of Notre DameScott GilbertSean HamiltonShayne AndersonSheila SalasSherrilynne CherrySilicon Valley Community FoundationSt. Mary's University School of LawStephen RamseurSteve NivinTerri MauldinThomas JudgeTim NiccumTRUiSTUSAAVeronica NavarroWilliam Cade

NoNprofit orgU.S. poStage

paidSaN aNtoNio, tXpermit No 1126

Calendar of Events

Down Syndrome Association of South Texas

2800 NW Loop 410San Antonio, TX 78230

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

AuGuSt

16 DSAStX Day at Splashtown: 3600 IH 35 North,

check-in from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

20 Spanish parent Information Meeting:

Desarrollo Infantil - Brighton Center, YMCA Westside,

2900 Ruiz, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

23 DSAStX Mini-Conference: Coker UMC,

231 E. North Loop Rd., Wesley Bldg., 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SepteMBeR

17 Spanish parent Information Meeting: YMCA Westside,

2900 Ruiz, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

20 pre-walk t-shirt pick-up: DSASTX Office,

2800 NW Loop 410, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon

27 BuDDy WAlk: Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks,

7:00 a.m. - Registration Begins; 8:00 a.m. - Opening

Ceremonies; 9:00 a.m. - Walk Begins

oCtoBeR

11 teen Club & Adult Matters: Art/Painting Project,

Beach House Arts, 114 N. Ellison Dr., #403,

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

15 Spanish parent Information Meeting: YMCA Westside,

2900 Ruiz, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

25 playgroup & kid Connection: Morgan's Wonderland,

5223 David Edwards Dr., 10:00 a.m.

noVeMBeR

15 DSAStX Mini-Conference: More details to come!

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

19 Spanish parent Information Meeting: YMCA Westside,

2900 Ruiz, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DeCeMBeR

22 DSAStX holiday party: Valero Event Center,

One Valero Way, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.