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Weekly Update
from the Management Team
August 4, 2011
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Upcoming Events
Buddy Walk by the Sea Self-Advocate Ambassadors - On Saturday, August 27, you'll have an opportunity to meet and walk with three accomplished self-advocate ambassabors at our new Buddy Walk by the Sea event. Carey, Tracey, and Connor continue to show their communities what people with Down syndrome are capable of and can accomplish with hard work, determination, and the opportunities to be given a chance.
Centerville's Carey Daly, 20, was the first person with Down syndrome to run the Falmouth Road Race, a seven mile journey from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights. He was awarded the Michael Denmark Award in 2009, which goes to a single runner who accomplishes a significant achievement in the face of extraordinary personal challenges. Carey will be well prepared for the one-mile Buddy Walk by the Sea since he will have completed his fifth Falmouth Road Race for Team MDSC a couple weeks beforehand. When the running shoes are off, he speaks to other groups participating in Race for MDSC events and shows his support in the cheering section with his mom, Colleen.
Falmouth's Tra cey Newhart, 28, who after gaining attention for a dispute regarding her MCAS scores years ago, has gone on to open her very own catering business, called Tracey's Kitchen. She makes cakes, cookies and other baked goods for all special occasions. Tracey is getting ready for the Buddy Walk by the Sea with walks around her East Falmouth neighborhood. In addition to Down syndrome, she has Grave's disease, which causes extreme fatigue. "With her Grave's disease, the doctor said the one mile will feel like ten to her," says Tracey's mother Pat. "It will be her first Buddy Walk without a wheelchair."  Nantucket's Connor Gifford, 26, is well known for America According to Connor Gifford, a history book he wrote with Victoria Harris that was released in June 2008. Connor is originally from Perrysburg, Ohio, where he graduated high school in 2002. His parents pushed for him to be included in the classroom and his love for history started in the eigth grade. He now works on Nantucket and volunteers for many organizations. "Through history we know that every character is different," says Connor. "As for my having Down syndrome, it means that I have a gift."
To register to walk, form a team, or donate to the Buddy Walk by the Sea to support people with Down syndrome such as Carey, Tracey, and Connor, CLICK HERE. Buddy Walk & Family Picnic - With over 40 teams already signed up and 11 sponsors on board for our signature walk, it seems like we are going to have another record-breaking year. Sunday, October 9 is going to be a special day as we celebrate "15 years" of the Buddy Walk & Family Picnic during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Sign-up your team today to start making a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome. REGISTER TODAY

Your participation in any of our Buddy Walk events will CELEBRATE the people with Down syndrome, PROMOTE acceptance and inclusion, and RAISE FUNDS to support vital MDSC programs, services, and legislative advocacy efforts on the local and national level.
Other Areas of Interest
Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Program - The Boston Ballet is offering a new 10-week Adaptive Dance class for children with Down syndrome, ages 4-6, and their parents, held at Boston Ballet School, Newton in collaboration with the Department of Physical Therapy at Children's Hospital Boston. The mission of the Adaptive Dance Class is to provide a positive, creative, and fun-filled experience for children with special needs, but enriching their lives with challenging movements, rhythmical music, deep friendships and a sense of personal accomplishment. If you're interested in participating contact Tori Westcott at vwestcott@bostonballet.org or call 617-456-6208 for more details.
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Promoting Acceptance & Inclusion
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Mission
We work to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress 20 Burlington Mall Road - Suite 261
Burlington, MA 01803
Office Phone: 781-221-0024
Fax: 781-221-0011
www.mdsc.org |
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