tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13876903190352488092024-03-05T11:25:49.256-07:00Global Down Syndrome FoundationGlobal Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-9618884595106259152012-07-11T09:47:00.002-06:002012-07-11T09:47:46.976-06:00Cable TV pioneer Dr. John C. Malone makes impactful donation to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkla0OzOe6whNHoDrBn9l3cvHdi_BQ-B3wHnXBP6MJCQoydcStIcRSh3wyPKqE14xZWdYK7qEfusQ2mPvdep25pTmTZ1oGjevQyheDoeKuKEkYwRH82r_7aEJWjiMqyuBN7vJ-sa-yb05/s1600/John-C.-Malone---9.16.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkla0OzOe6whNHoDrBn9l3cvHdi_BQ-B3wHnXBP6MJCQoydcStIcRSh3wyPKqE14xZWdYK7qEfusQ2mPvdep25pTmTZ1oGjevQyheDoeKuKEkYwRH82r_7aEJWjiMqyuBN7vJ-sa-yb05/s1600/John-C.-Malone---9.16.jpeg" /></a>DENVER (July 11, 2012) – Cable TV pioneer and Chairman of Liberty Media Corporation, Dr. John C. Malone, announced a $100,000 gift to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to benefit the organization’s marquee annual benefit, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.</div>
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The fundraiser will be held at the Sheraton Downtown Denver on Saturday, October 13, 2012 with celebrity and self-advocates such as dancer DeOndra Dixon, actor Luke Zimmerman, Music Icon Quincy Jones and Academy and Grammy Award-winner Jamie Foxx.</div>
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The Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual marquee event is equal part awareness-building and fundraising for the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is the largest single fundraiser for Down syndrome in the United States. At the heart of the event is the reality that Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health. </div>
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After welcoming a granddaughter with Down syndrome into his family, John J. Sie, another cable TV pioneer who worked for Dr. Malone for more than 20 years, helped to launch the Crnic Institute and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.</div>
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Dr. Malone commended his longtime friend and colleague, John J. Sie, for his approach to stimulating research and medical care benefitting people with Down syndrome. “I’ve known Johnny for a long time now. When he sets his mind to something he will get it done,” said Dr. Malone. “That’s good news for people with Down syndrome and their families – the research Johnny is underwriting is exciting and promising. I’m glad I can help.”</div>
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“This gift means a great deal to me, my family and of course the millions of people with Down syndrome who deserve more research funding and better medical care,” said John J. Sie, board member of the Crnic Institute. “We so appreciate John and Leslie’s generosity and friendship.”</div>
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Dr. Malone is Chairman of Liberty Media Corporation, a position he has held since 1990. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Liberty Global, Inc. (LGI), a position he has held since June, 2005. From 1996 to March 1999 when Tele-Communications, Inc., (TCI) merged with AT&T Corp., Dr. Malone was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TCI. Previously, from 1973 to 1996, Dr. Malone served as President and CEO of TCI. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for CATO Institute, Expedia, Inc., Discovery Communications, Inc., and SiriusXM. Additionally, Dr. Malone is Chairman Emeritus of the Board for Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. as well as Director or similar capacity for various family businesses, Trusts or Foundations.</div>
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John J. Sie is founder and former Chairman of Starz Entertainment Group LLC. Founded in 1991, the Colorado-based company is owned by Liberty Media Corporation and is the parent of premium movie networks, including Starz and Encore. Sie is considered by many to be the father of digital television – in 1989 he submitted the very first white paper on digital compression to Congress and the FCC that would dramatically change the landscape of television in the United States and the world. In 2005, Sie retired and with his wife Anna established the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation. The Foundation supports the sharing of knowledge amongst peoples and cultures throughout the global community, with emphasis on Down syndrome, education, media, business, and technology.</div>
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<b>About the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome</b></div>
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<i>The </i><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/institutes/lindacrnic/Pages/lindacrnic.aspx"><span class="s1"><i>Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome</i></span></a><i> is the first medical and research institute with the mission to provide the best clinical care to people with Down syndrome, and to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with the condition. Established in 2008, the Crnic Institute is a partnership between the </i><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/Pages/somWelcome.aspx"><span class="s1"><i>University of Colorado School of Medicine</i></span></a><i>, the </i><a href="http://www.colorado.edu/"><span class="s1"><i>University of Colorado Boulder</i></span></a><i>, and </i><a href="http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/"><span class="s1"><i>Children’s Hospital Colorado</i></span></a><i>. Headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus, the Crnic Institute includes the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. It partners both locally and globally to provide life-changing research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. The Crnic Institute is made possible by the generous support of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, and relies on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for fundraising, education, awareness and government advocacy. It is a research and medical-based organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.</i></div>
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<b>About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation<br />
</b><i>The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US committed to research and medical care for people with the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term goal. The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show - the single largest annual fundraiser benefitting people with Down syndrome. Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds many programs and conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language Resource Project. The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.</i></div>
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</div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-53473120463360120592012-07-10T10:55:00.001-06:002012-07-10T10:56:53.387-06:00Renowned Scientist to Galvanize Alzheimer’s Research and Clinical Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13pt;">Huntington Potter joins
the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, </span></i><i style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13pt;">University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus</span></i></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">AURORA, Colo. </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">(July 10, 2012) –</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Renowned
scientist, Huntington Potter, MD, will galvanize Alzheimer’s disease research
and initiate the formation of a new clinical care center here in Colorado. In
July, Dr. Potter joins the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Department
of Neurology and the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University
of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus where his lab will study the mechanism by
which Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome arise and research drugs that could
ameliorate or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. He also will begin the process of building
an Alzheimer’s disease center for excellence in clinical care, the only one in
Colorado and in a thousand-mile radius of Denver.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Potter
discovered and is devoted to studying the mechanistic relationship between Alzheimer’s
disease and Down syndrome. His seminal research led to the discovery of
triplication of chromosome 21 in many cells of patients with Alzheimer’s disease,
leading Potter to postulate that people with Alzheimer’s have a genetic defect
or an environmental exposure that leads them to develop mosaic trisomy 21/Down
syndrome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">In
his new role as Director of Alzheimer's Disease Research in the CU School of
Medicine Department of Neurology and the Linda Crnic Center for Down Syndrome,
Potter will develop clinical trials to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s
disease.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m
excited to be part of the Crnic Institute and the Department of Neurology here
on the Anschutz Medical Campus,” said Potter. “Alzheimer’s disease and Down
syndrome are two sides of the same coin and studying them together will best
hasten the development of new treatments for both. In Colorado I can build the
ideal joint program that should eventually benefit millions of people suffering
from Alzheimer’s disease including those with Down syndrome.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Tom Blumenthal, the Anna
and John J. Sie Professor in Genomics and Executive Director of the Crnic
Institute, welcomes Potter to the growing number of scientists working on Down syndrome
research. “Dr. Potter’s hire underscores how providing research funds
benefitting people with Down syndrome can also benefit tens of millions
suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, congenital heart disease or
certain cancers. We are pleased to be collaborating with the Department of
Neurology to hire such an outstanding scientist who is focused on helping people
with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">“We are excited that Dr. Potter has chosen to join the
University of Colorado School of Medicine to develop our new program in
Alzheimer’s disease,” said Kenneth L. Tyler, MD, Reuler-Lewin Family Professor
and chairman of the Department of Neurology. “He brings a commitment to
improving the understanding of this disorder and the care for individuals at
risk for Alzheimer’s disease. His presence at the University of Colorado Anschutz
Medical Campus significantly enhances our presence in this critically important
area, and sets the stage for development of an Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Center at the CU School of Medicine.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The average lifespan of
a person with Down syndrome has more than doubled over the last three decades
to 60 years. The increase is due in large part to the dismantling of inhumane
institutions and improved access to life-saving care. With this increased
lifespan, a large number of people with Down syndrome are being diagnosed with
the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Current research
estimates all people with Down syndrome will have the brain pathology of
Alzheimer’s disease but only about half will have the associated degenerative cognitive
symptoms. The Crnic Institute is dedicated to eradicating the medical and
cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome, and relies on the Global
Down Syndrome Foundation for fundraising, education, awareness and government
advocacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Both the Crnic Institute
and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation are made possible by the generous
support of founding donors Anna and John J. Sie, whose granddaughter happens to
have Down syndrome. The </span><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/institutes/lindacrnic/Pages/siefoundation.aspx"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Anna and John J. Sie
Foundation</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">
has committed more than $22 million dollars to establish the Crnic Institute as
the worldwide beacon for research and care related to Down syndrome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">“Alzheimer’s
disease is an immense and increasing problem across the population, and
particularly for adults with Down syndrome,” said John J. Sie. “The appointment
of Hunt Potter demonstrates that the Crnic Institute is engaged in research
that will change the outcome for these individuals.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Prior
to joining the Crnic Institute, Potter studied, researched and taught for 30 years
at Harvard University. He received his AB <i>Cum
Laude</i> in Physics and Chemistry and his MA and PhD in Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology before spending 13 years on the faculty of the Neurobiology
Department. In 1998, he joined the Faculty at the University of South Florida
(USF) as the Eric Pfeiffer Chair for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease. He
designed and directed the NIA-designated Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Center at USF and was elected President of the Faculty at the College of
Medicine, and President of the USF Tampa Faculty Senate. From 2004-2008, Potter
was CEO and Scientific Director of the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer’s Center
& Research Institute, during which time the Institute built the largest
free-standing Alzheimer’s disease research institute in the world and developed
seven new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in preparation for human trials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Potter is
credited with the first demonstration of the Holliday intermediate in genetic
recombination, the perfection of electroporation for gene transfer, and the
discovery of the essential role of inflammation and the amyloid-promoting
activity of the apoE-4 protein in Alzheimer's disease. He is the author of more
than 100 scientific articles and books, is the holder of 15 U.S. and foreign
patents, has sat on scientific advisory and review committees in academia,
industry and government, and has received numerous awards for his work. In
2010, Potter was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science. His electron micrographs of DNA are on permanent
exhibit in the National American History Museum of the Smithsonian Institute in
Washington D.C.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">About the Linda<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span class="spelle"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Crnic</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Institute for Down Syndrome<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The </span></i><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/institutes/lindacrnic/Pages/lindacrnic.aspx"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> is the first medical and research institute
with the mission to provide the best clinical care to people with Down
syndrome, and to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated
with the condition. Established in 2008, the Crnic Institute is a partnership
between the </span></i><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/Pages/somWelcome.aspx"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">University of Colorado School of Medicine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">, the </span></i><a href="http://www.colorado.edu/"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">University of Colorado
Boulder</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">, and </span></i><a href="http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Children’s Hospital
Colorado</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">. Headquartered
on the Anschutz Medical Campus, the Crnic Institute includes the Anna and John
J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. It
partners both locally and globally to provide life-changing research and
medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. The Crnic Institute is made
possible by the generous support of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, and
relies on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for fundraising, education,
awareness and government advocacy. It is a research and medical-based
organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation</span></b></div>
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<i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The Global Down Syndrome Foundation
is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives
of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and
advocacy. Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to
support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first
academic home in the US committed to research and medical care for people with
the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming
disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term
goal. The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show - the
single largest annual fundraiser benefitting people with Down syndrome.
Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds many programs and
conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down
Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language Resource
Project. The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political or
religious affiliation or intention.</span></i></i></div>
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<br /></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-70667066567483098982012-07-03T16:25:00.001-06:002012-07-03T16:26:10.922-06:00Letter from Tom Blumenthal, Executive Director at Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I thought I would take a few moments to introduce
myself. I have recently assumed the
position of Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome having
just completed a second term as Chair of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental
Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Before I came to Boulder, I was Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular
Genetics at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for eight years,
and before that Chair of Biological Sciences at Indiana University,
Bloomington, for many years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have spent my entire scientific career so far doing basic
research, primarily on various aspects of gene expression and on the
arrangement of genes on chromosomes.
Indeed, my lab in Boulder is currently studying various aspects of RNA
synthesis and will continue to do so during my tenure as Executive Director of
the Crnic Institute. So while I’m no
stranger to either academic administration in general or to the Health Sciences
Center in particular, I am new to studying Down syndrome. However, I believe I am in a unique
position to lead the Crnic Institute in its effort to eradicate the medical and
cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me tell you a bit about my vision for research at the Crnic
Institute and the direction in which I plan to take it. Currently the Crnic Institute is housed on
the fourth floor of Research Complex II on the Anschutz Medical Campus. While a
minimal level of science is currently occurring in that space, that situation
will not last much longer. First, Professor Huntington Potter has very recently
moved his lab into Crnic Institute space. Hunt, a specialist in Alzheimer’s disease,
will be a member of the Department of Neurology and part of the Crnic Institute
scientific team. Second, we already have
one of the world’s foremost investigators who studies Down syndrome in the
Department of Pediatrics here at the School of Medicine, Katheleen
Gardiner. Her lab will be moving into
the Crnic Institute space. In addition I hope to recruit one additional Down
Syndrome Researcher from another university into the Crnic Institute space, and
I will initiate additional Down syndrome projects there as well. That should rapidly fill up our space.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to the investigators performing their research
in the Crnic Institute itself, I plan to dramatically increase the amount of
research on Down Syndrome being performed at the University of Colorado, at
both the Denver and Boulder campuses, by initiating a grants program. The
Scientific Advisory Board of the Crnic Institute will issue a series of Grand
Challenges, requests for proposals from researchers in Colorado who are
interested in working on key issues on the causes of Down syndrome or in
developing therapies to ameliorate the ill effects, especially medical and cognitive
deficits. Furthermore, I believe the research
benefitting people with Down syndrome has the potential to make very
significant contributions to our understanding of associated diseases,
including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and heart disease. Once I looked into it, I was surprised to
learn the incidence of solid tumors is much lower in people with Down syndrome. Can we take advantage of that observation to
learn something important about causes of solid tumors? Thus, it is my hope we can make important
contributions in understanding Down syndrome itself. But wouldn’t it be
wonderful if we could also make important contributions to our understanding of
some of these associated issues by studying Down syndrome? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I, personally, have always been interested in how genes are
correctly regulated. There are at least
20,000 genes in the human genome, each of which must be turned on and turned
off very precisely at particular times in particular tissues and in particular
cells. It is absolutely amazing that
this can occur without errors in virtually all people, especially during
development from a fertilized egg into a human being. This occurs at least in part by precise
timing of activity of hundreds of regulatory proteins. In Down syndrome around
300 of the 20,000 genes, those on chromosome 21, are present in three copies
instead of the usual two, and some of these 300 genes encode regulatory
proteins. So it is not at all surprising
that development of people with Down syndrome is different. It is my hope by targeting our studies into
certain areas of research, we can learn a lot about which genes are important
in the occurrence of which medical and cognitive ill effects, and indeed we may
learn a lot about basic mechanisms of gene regulation by studying, in people
and in mouse model systems, what exactly is mis-regulated and why.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why now? There is a
lot of talent at both the Anschutz Medical Campus and in Boulder, investigators
who are capable of making real contributions in these areas. Given the current tight federal funding
situation, these investigators might be interested in performing Down syndrome-related
research projects. I expect we can get
talented scientists really excited about doing so. But perhaps even more important, the
development of new technologies in recent years, especially in the fields of
genomics and proteomics make entirely novel approaches to our key questions
possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My plan is to use much of the funds available in the Crnic
Institute to provide opportunities for researchers to initiate new research into
the causes of Down syndrome as well as ways to benefit people with Down syndrome. While these investigators will remain in
their current research space, both at the Anschutz Medical Campus and in
Boulder, they will become members of the Crnic Institute (in addition to their
current affiliations) and will attend monthly scientific meetings with all Crnic
Institute members. I expect getting all
of this talent together frequently will allow all of us to make rapid progress
on our projects.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The avowed purposes of the Crnic Institute are to “eradicate
the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome by the year
2017” and “to significantly improve the lives of all people with DS and their
families and their communities.” My
intention is to accomplish those goals.
However, when exploring the unknown, you never know what you’ll
find. Explorers can’t really ever
promise anything. All we can promise is
that we’ll do everything we can, that we’ll leave no stone unturned, and that
everything we do will be directed at accomplishing that mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe it is time for research to finally start
benefitting people with Down syndrome and as outlined above there is reason to
be confident we can accomplish this. I
hope others will join the Crnic Institute in support of this mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-59972122028140824762012-07-03T16:21:00.001-06:002012-07-03T16:21:36.993-06:00Tom Blumenthal takes the reigns of Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Renowned Scientist, Tom
Blumenthal, takes the helm of <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Crnic Institute for
Down Syndrome<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">DENVER </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">(July 2, 2012) – Nationally
renowned molecular biologist, Tom Blumenthal, Ph.D, has been named the new
Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome headquartered
at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dr. Blumenthal, who is leaving his post as
Chairman of the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department at the
University of Colorado Boulder, brings an impressive track record of academic
management and basic science experience to his new role.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Morally I believe we are obligated to help
people through scientific study.
Scientifically I am intrigued with the Crnic Institute’s mission to
eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome,”
said Blumenthal. “Given current technological advances I believe we have a
fighting chance at delivering. My first focus will be to dramatically increase
the amount of research the Crnic Institute is engaged in, and to initiate a
competitive Grand Challenges grant program within the University of Colorado
system.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dr. Blumenthal is no stranger to the Crnic
Institute’s mission. From its inception he has served on the Crnic Institute’s
Scientific Advisory Board and for the past year on the Board of Directors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“We are excited about the leadership, scientific
knowledge, professionalism and passion Dr. Blumenthal brings to the Crnic
Institute,” said John J. Sie, co-trustee of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation
and founding donor of the Crnic Institute. “With Tom at the helm, we are
confident our $22 million donation will create unprecedented excellent quality
medical care but also important basic research benefitting people with Down
syndrome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director of the
Global Down Syndrome Foundation, which provides fundraising, education,
awareness and government advocacy for the Crnic Institute agrees. “Dr.
Blumenthal has already started major research initiatives that we can galvanize
our community around, fundraise for and educate society about. We couldn’t be
more excited.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lilly Marks, a Crnic Institute Board of Directors
Member, Vice President for Health Affairs University of Colorado and Executive
Vice Chancellor of the Anschutz Medical Campus welcomes her distinguished
colleague. “Tom’s deep network of scientific colleagues on both campuses puts
him in a unique position to galvanize research benefitting people with Down
syndrome. He has the scientific leadership that is important for a multidisciplinary,
multi-campus effort to ameliorate the adverse effects of Down syndrome.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dr. Blumenthal served as
two-term Chair for the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental
Biology at University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to that he was the Chair of
Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Colorado Health
Sciences Center for eight years, and before that Chair of Biological Sciences
at Indiana University, Bloomington, for many years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dr. Blumenthal earned his undergraduate degree
in Biology at Antioch College in 1966. He was a National Science Foundation
fellow during his graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, from which he
received his PhD in Genetics in 1970. He was awarded the Helen Hay Whitney
Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, which he completed at Harvard University’s
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1973. Dr. Blumenthal is the
author of more than 100 scholarly articles and one book, and currently sits on
the editorial boards of the journals <i>RNA,
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Transcription</i> and <i>Worm</i>, in addition to<i> </i>the
online book<i>, </i></span><a href="http://www.wormbook.org/"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wormbook</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">He has served on the Board of Directors of the
American Medical and Graduate Departments of Biochemistry, the American Society
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the RNA Society and the Scientific
Advisory Board of Wormbase, the <i>C.
elegans </i>database. He also served as a member of the University of
California Science and Technology Committee and the Scientific Advisory Boards
of the Biological Science Divisions of the Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratories. He was elected to membership in the American Academy of
Arts and Sciences in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dr. Blumenthal’s research in the area of gene
expression concentrates on mechanisms of pre-mRNA processing in <i>C. elegans</i> and how that relates to organization
of genes on chromosomes. Dr. Blumenthal’s work with the <i>C. elegans</i> model system even has possibly significant implications
for understanding Down syndrome, despite its seemingly distinct focus. Dr.
Blumenthal emphasizes that, “We do not currently understand how an extra copy
of chromosome 21 results in all the many effects seen in people with Down
syndrome, but dramatic changes in gene expression may be the most likely
explanation.” Dr. Blumenthal is excited to have the opportunity to facilitate
putting together research teams to test ideas like this both to understand the
causes of, and the benefit to those who have, Down syndrome.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">About the Linda<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="spelle">Crnic</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Institute
for Down Syndrome<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The </span></i><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/institutes/lindacrnic/Pages/lindacrnic.aspx"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> is the first medical and research institute
with the mission to provide the best clinical care to people with Down
syndrome, and to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated
with the condition. Established in 2008, the Crnic Institute is a partnership
between the </span></i><a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/Pages/somWelcome.aspx"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">University of Colorado School of Medicine</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">, the </span></i><a href="http://www.colorado.edu/"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">University of Colorado
Boulder</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">, and </span></i><a href="http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Children’s Hospital
Colorado</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">.
Headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus, the Crnic Institute includes the
Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at the Children’s Hospital
Colorado. It partners both locally and globally to provide life-changing
research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. The Crnic
Institute is made possible by the generous support of the Anna and John J. Sie
Foundation, and relies on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for fundraising,
education, awareness and government advocacy. It is a research and
medical-based organization without political or religious affiliation or
intention.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">About the Global Down
Syndrome Foundation</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></b></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public
non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people
with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Formally established in 2009, the
Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute
for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US committed to research and
medical care for people with the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy
that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down
syndrome is a major short-term goal. The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful
Be Yourself Fashion Show - the single largest annual fundraiser benefitting
people with Down syndrome. Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds
many programs and conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer
Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language
Resource Project. The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political
or religious affiliation or intention.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-52466324569090104152012-04-03T17:58:00.008-06:002012-04-12T14:28:49.512-06:00World Down Syndrome Day at Children's Hospital Colorado<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavtkhI_UxMjcodxAs39lemqBmhkEw4ZH5xTkfmZmte6pFzMRVLuQapDLDYozYcIkNBiS9xtQpaYNxHSkZ43oTcbF-KuE0mrbQM1lqnpnXE0aywtx7aKbIHy0Hw3Pnme2j1hw1bgUb9Y0s/s1600/JC_032112_GDSF+878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavtkhI_UxMjcodxAs39lemqBmhkEw4ZH5xTkfmZmte6pFzMRVLuQapDLDYozYcIkNBiS9xtQpaYNxHSkZ43oTcbF-KuE0mrbQM1lqnpnXE0aywtx7aKbIHy0Hw3Pnme2j1hw1bgUb9Y0s/s200/JC_032112_GDSF+878.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiJh0XbckaC1iM7VIyCetaa28tv1G7coZCVJzoD4p363Ji_vYSxkyzNLk3VM-7j0-7t0GsXne9HvaCBDPjM3whBXWWP3xVl8a6O1BVQ1sNAQQWUV8caEugE_mfkrb86Mvjq-HSYS56Ere/s1600/JC_032112_GDSF+957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiJh0XbckaC1iM7VIyCetaa28tv1G7coZCVJzoD4p363Ji_vYSxkyzNLk3VM-7j0-7t0GsXne9HvaCBDPjM3whBXWWP3xVl8a6O1BVQ1sNAQQWUV8caEugE_mfkrb86Mvjq-HSYS56Ere/s200/JC_032112_GDSF+957.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwedfVmkigc0ugAeqkF_Jd2NI-PULsyNMO0_I3qK0tfQi4B_nKsBI7EbeT36hu5p18G0svBRK-bc1nggsGepkyrKJIApyw9A9etquueVJOfWnM0gVbMGGjHGgKO_i2UM1bygcw3aLOjFz/s1600/JC_032112_GDSF+1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwedfVmkigc0ugAeqkF_Jd2NI-PULsyNMO0_I3qK0tfQi4B_nKsBI7EbeT36hu5p18G0svBRK-bc1nggsGepkyrKJIApyw9A9etquueVJOfWnM0gVbMGGjHGgKO_i2UM1bygcw3aLOjFz/s200/JC_032112_GDSF+1472.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Please watch an interview with Director of Education of Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Patti McVay</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUdDdlNg8zY&feature=BFa&list=UU-G1ZyzVBDQBOMBf0EWO-QQ&lf=plcp" target="_blank">Aurora 8 - World Down Syndrome Day with Patti McVay</a></div><br />
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<u><b> FIRST Annual Crnic Institute </b></u><u><b>World Down Syndrome Day Essay Contest for Middle School and High School Students WINNERS!</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfG9jb8OcJLv7I2dLOTDiTMTM_xn6sEk6M-rmxxaIT9RMOrmR6a8q4T2KOgTitDLFDpZnxjQY7e21OklBambcyvjSJZfy2WcWa09adcv1gblePrCTe3U44itQKMxRl5CAPn7ATFk9ngpe/s1600/Winner+Essay+Contest+Flyer+(2)_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfG9jb8OcJLv7I2dLOTDiTMTM_xn6sEk6M-rmxxaIT9RMOrmR6a8q4T2KOgTitDLFDpZnxjQY7e21OklBambcyvjSJZfy2WcWa09adcv1gblePrCTe3U44itQKMxRl5CAPn7ATFk9ngpe/s320/Winner+Essay+Contest+Flyer+(2)_Page_1.jpg" width="248" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJlU79uwL99ZKjhl1rg33xOa5nFN9wfuRQmQeuBlXUSgKRYakeu3XghQqAtzJ3VtNBqGF6MoYN_HQbvHYmpfdvKNGehBFP6GL7Bb3CfbCm3vjrB8o7p_fhXflu3-PMgZncosAXo8r5QLf/s1600/Winner+Essay+Contest+Flyer+(2)_Page_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJlU79uwL99ZKjhl1rg33xOa5nFN9wfuRQmQeuBlXUSgKRYakeu3XghQqAtzJ3VtNBqGF6MoYN_HQbvHYmpfdvKNGehBFP6GL7Bb3CfbCm3vjrB8o7p_fhXflu3-PMgZncosAXo8r5QLf/s320/Winner+Essay+Contest+Flyer+(2)_Page_2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>WINNERS: Kia and Brittany, Collaborative Middle School </b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b>- 2 Friends - One with Down syndrome & one without</b></u></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ai5QklTRHarHVX1UNBuHkiYMyEStdwL_9oTVaEMA_nXS_wV_9aySOebrCcKl1JgETa2TcKiFeKHqhFiOHui7TL3-u5s40SzVM4ppE4keUvBZORUFokdNJLpolew1TZw5Bkcbih-n8d-9/s1600/JC_032112_GDSF+1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ai5QklTRHarHVX1UNBuHkiYMyEStdwL_9oTVaEMA_nXS_wV_9aySOebrCcKl1JgETa2TcKiFeKHqhFiOHui7TL3-u5s40SzVM4ppE4keUvBZORUFokdNJLpolew1TZw5Bkcbih-n8d-9/s200/JC_032112_GDSF+1080.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">LCI Director of Education Patti McVay</div><div style="text-align: center;"> & LCI Jenny Weaver stand with essay</div><div style="text-align: center;">winners Kia and Brittany</div></td></tr>
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<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i>We Are Special</i></b><o:p></o:p></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: left;">When a child has Down Syndrome,simple tasks and conversations can become very hard, but understanding we are both equal has made it so that our friendship is so special. </div><o:p></o:p><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">My name is Brittany and I am an eighth grader at Campus Middle School. During this school year, I have been spending my elective period in the special needs classroom as a student assistant.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: left;">This is where I met Kia, a 6th grader with Down Syndrome. When my principal suggested that Kia and I enter this contest, I was surprised. I never had really thought about how our friendship was different because of Down Syndrome. Kia and I have been eating lunch together two days a week for over a month, discussing our friendship. During this time we have discovered that one's friends are not chosen because they are the prettiest, the smartest or the most popular. one choses their friends because of how that person makes one feel. Kia makes me feel special and I make her feel wanted. Kia is a very genuine person, she smiles when she's happy and lets you know that you have brightened her day just by being there. I do not have to impress Kia. I just have to be me. Every time I see Kia, she smiles and tells me how special I am to her. There is no drama with Kia, she tells you straight up how it is going to be and that is that. </div><o:p></o:p><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">As our conversations during lunch have progressed, we have discovered that we have common interests. We both think boys have cooties and they are not worth our time yet. Though we do enjoy dreaming of our wedding day and all the fine details. One day at lunch, Kia said that even though we have less time together, unlike most friends, we make our time together special. </div><o:p></o:p><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">When Kia and I are together we do not worry about the trivial aspects of being teenagers. Such as the latest school gossip, what drama happened in class that day or who is going out on a date. Kia and I enjoy the calmness of our relationship. It is simple, really, we just enjoy each other for who we are and what we each give to the friendship. We give each other a purpose and a meaning to our everyday school routine. </div><o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">So, the question remains, how does Down Syndrome make our friendship better? Kia and I are friends not because of Down Syndrome, but because we have learned to look beyond daily challenges and discover who the person is beneath the skin. Down Syndrome may have been the beginning to our relationship but we choose to be friends because of who we are without the drama of being a teenager. Down Syndrome not only changed our relationship but taught us a valuable life lesson in acceptance.</div></blockquote><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><u> </u></div></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br />
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<u><b>WINNER: Kayla, Individual Student without Down syndrome</b></u></div><u><b></b></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Hj531ECALuw6RKjtvOz6xCaV0N76lWeM9Xl4SdupVfujJ_lwXVKTQl4VgWExa3C1FNwGkdagz0xBMuaDrd9ofCIt0IsA37BA9VzDCUThR8N3pDnpPveAW-lHZ8j2_61p0HjcgiS-fdX/s1600/JC_032112_GDSF+1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Hj531ECALuw6RKjtvOz6xCaV0N76lWeM9Xl4SdupVfujJ_lwXVKTQl4VgWExa3C1FNwGkdagz0xBMuaDrd9ofCIt0IsA37BA9VzDCUThR8N3pDnpPveAW-lHZ8j2_61p0HjcgiS-fdX/s200/JC_032112_GDSF+1166.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essay Winner Kayla shares a moment with Danny</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Misunderstood Abilities</i></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">On November 23'd of 1999 a beautiful baby brother named Danny came into my life. I<br />
was ecstatic to see him wiggle his tiny toes and open his big blue eyes for the first time. Three<br />
days later, however, I was told something was wrong with my beautiful baby brother. "Down<br />
Syndrome," they called it, "Special needs." Immediately I thought: wow, Danny is special! He's<br />
even more perfect then I thought. But the world told me I was confused. Danny was speCial, but not in a good way. He has disabilities. I told the world it was confused. Danny was special, in an amazing way. He has abilities they will never be able to understand. But, of course, I was too little to fully grasp the situation and nobody would listen to me. So, here I am, 12 years later,<br />
with a philosophy unchanged. Disabilities do not exist, only abilities that are misunderstood;<br />
this I believe. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">How does society define which needs are special or what abilities are normal to have? I<br />
myself have different needs and abilities than anyone else in the world and so does my brother.<br />
Perhaps Danny can't tie his shoes, fix his own meals, or perform other simple daily tasks. But,<br />
people are not remembered or known for how well they perform simple daily tasks. Danny<br />
shouldn't be either. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">As Danny grew and I grew too I noticed he was different then most kids his age.<br />
However, these differences go deeper then what you might expect. I remember eating<br />
popsicles on a warm summer day with my brother. When I dropped it, being around six years<br />
old, I burst into hysterical sobs. Danny reached up to my face, wiped away my tears, and<br />
handed me his popsicle with a smile. "Share," he told me. I knew in my heart he would react<br />
the same way with a stranger. Years later we took a family vacation to the Jersey Shore. We<br />
soon realized that Danny was terribly afraid of the ocean and much rather play in the sand, far<br />
away from the water. One day while at the beach I was playing in the water with another little<br />
girl. Suddenly, the waves doubled in height and began to knock us over. Danny fought his fears<br />
and rushed to our aid, pulling us out of danger. This was both a mental and physical challenge<br />
for him but he didn't even hesitate. If his ability to love, care, and protect in such a pure<br />
manner is a disability then I've learned the definition wrong. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">We all take pride in believing that we are all different. My beautiful baby brother is<br />
different too and I hope that every day of his life he takes pride in that. I hope he reaches every<br />
goal, no matter how high or low. I hope he always smiles, wipes away tears, and says "Share." I<br />
hope he continues to annihilate his fears. Most of all, I hope that he always remembers he does<br />
not have disabilities but immeasurable abilities, perhaps abilities we could learn from. Annie<br />
Forts, a woman with Down Syndrome once said, "Don't ever prejudge the limits of our<br />
abilities. We definitely will surprise you and sometimes we even surprise ourselves!" I<br />
believe that Annie Forts was entirely correct.</blockquote></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-31914032756000608362012-03-19T12:52:00.141-06:002012-04-04T08:29:05.664-06:00United Nations World Down Syndrome Day Conference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm0_3lu045Oou6nfztvgtt9jG0SkOVdkL0sxm9GzUc7kb69mUzq7i0oazYyI5VjPin-ZBIbcb-bUZ2WrOxEoLApyxdnJAILV5u6TZKLIdm9_2dQM5cBqxQc42P1NceSakvzyncWjOXclt/s200/photo+(19).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="148" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Dianne Richler, President </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">of Inclusion International</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> & Michelle Sie Whitten</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitomE6FLH11LTLBYuUNv9kiXvOQQnazWpwz1MRJADZbhmOpRYitqr8vbylax0dSIxzd-916iY4WKz6_IUedKZGqzcOw_0VVsJdzysei15bYNVymc8VWQyRVkCpE5_n1nlMwXTqrBtPzuq/s1600/Jose+Flores%252C+Chris+Burke%252C+Michelle+Sie+Whitten+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitomE6FLH11LTLBYuUNv9kiXvOQQnazWpwz1MRJADZbhmOpRYitqr8vbylax0dSIxzd-916iY4WKz6_IUedKZGqzcOw_0VVsJdzysei15bYNVymc8VWQyRVkCpE5_n1nlMwXTqrBtPzuq/s200/Jose+Flores%252C+Chris+Burke%252C+Michelle+Sie+Whitten+%25284%2529.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Jose Flores, Actor &<br />
Self - Advocate Chris Burke<br />
& Michelle Sie Whitten</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHpSJtNZNJoOslDFq6CsvxQl8Rrsyy73nzmh4lZXJ5xsWPzZ7YN_nZtzCjppGwiGWy7ksVzc_2LqDaof-Y0GzJcyH-q0S1FSWq5nLgO1ov4Q84wwLhOwLrp3LnJjnV2dRhdB0Shs_yrpp/s1600/P3222994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHpSJtNZNJoOslDFq6CsvxQl8Rrsyy73nzmh4lZXJ5xsWPzZ7YN_nZtzCjppGwiGWy7ksVzc_2LqDaof-Y0GzJcyH-q0S1FSWq5nLgO1ov4Q84wwLhOwLrp3LnJjnV2dRhdB0Shs_yrpp/s200/P3222994.jpg" width="200" /></a> </span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Dr. Dennis McGuire, Dr. Brian Chicoine,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">&</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> Linda Crnic </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Institute Executive</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> Director Ed McCabe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0_dKWNGvBwgwQ2lb3pvckdA-wEm6kMGfvPDJmpuIzBf3QHhciPsCsZwNKUapnvqkggmZIbqixfXVGFB_vpb6WVS43hb3ZvJFN-s77wRYvfFq4wY83YThWtU2W3fVHNbJnw6KzJeTgtYu/s1600/Self+Advocate+at+World+DS+Day+92).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0_dKWNGvBwgwQ2lb3pvckdA-wEm6kMGfvPDJmpuIzBf3QHhciPsCsZwNKUapnvqkggmZIbqixfXVGFB_vpb6WVS43hb3ZvJFN-s77wRYvfFq4wY83YThWtU2W3fVHNbJnw6KzJeTgtYu/s200/Self+Advocate+at+World+DS+Day+92).JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self - Advocates at the UN Conference</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFoPEnhQk3Pkfby3UwN8ZqdwJFcmZwuRqHbyXWylPnotsYZeVCIgCed6VOjzXNrN258Cj34r6SaKHr0TStIIZ1mckDFqIx1GnNnQ2aIPRawIQ-Is-36UGAcbBplTZKBxEdLdp3kd2rymX/s1600/Convention+goers+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFoPEnhQk3Pkfby3UwN8ZqdwJFcmZwuRqHbyXWylPnotsYZeVCIgCed6VOjzXNrN258Cj34r6SaKHr0TStIIZ1mckDFqIx1GnNnQ2aIPRawIQ-Is-36UGAcbBplTZKBxEdLdp3kd2rymX/s200/Convention+goers+-+Copy.jpg" width="148" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">UN Conference Participants </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kFJgom1ZotVBiNq-QWCxS6h-U1LS5FvON9LeVqaD28MVlYr656SLdhWsnBKXS9PNx6-vraccuM6Voi3hrQriQa2GMEeWHq2y28eYGEQ4p512FFInaKcHMt94E0F3BJVFGTS0qpE06n4u/s1600/Kiddos+at+UN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kFJgom1ZotVBiNq-QWCxS6h-U1LS5FvON9LeVqaD28MVlYr656SLdhWsnBKXS9PNx6-vraccuM6Voi3hrQriQa2GMEeWHq2y28eYGEQ4p512FFInaKcHMt94E0F3BJVFGTS0qpE06n4u/s200/Kiddos+at+UN.jpg" width="148" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Self Advocates Ryan & Kayla </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPTBLTkmOpBZljr3hyphenhyphenDxZx1MUlLANNHFrEAsHM1zHOq9PmKkObcMwB3uQVLKsnAZZ4PfBH7g1PhoWhJfrHcniHl8YVHx7EZN4u56_YQPeASZpzCMdedZM5Qn12fXWbkGeHxL6biIykhM8/s1600/Girl+at+UN+World+DS+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPTBLTkmOpBZljr3hyphenhyphenDxZx1MUlLANNHFrEAsHM1zHOq9PmKkObcMwB3uQVLKsnAZZ4PfBH7g1PhoWhJfrHcniHl8YVHx7EZN4u56_YQPeASZpzCMdedZM5Qn12fXWbkGeHxL6biIykhM8/s200/Girl+at+UN+World+DS+Day.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self - Advocate presenting at <br />
UN World Down Syndrome Day Conference</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa7Me0BDZEdhh5tQZr1lpKYSDqj5VVO3zONO4eEXfsB20ok0wQ4bPteYF8RncrekCkx00b_3IwEr0qpfOlr0UrBBMksdD_O1Tken_Gu8Ec72rBg_06On1A3tX7wkHzHc8gArXIY9SxzPU/s200/P3222985.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panel of Speakers<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<b> </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pAmBblT6ADUtaFu1-EfgA-P7cVU5DwjYtNm8v__PzffGOVSYGoa4q6sOV9gpU6mEwzUqAV4e1Z-ziR95aVhuN0A6CemkyZHKh_KjcFrK5kfv32sRv7xYxLvpAY044CJh_XIVQqx4fJ-b/s1600/Speakers+at+World+DS+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pAmBblT6ADUtaFu1-EfgA-P7cVU5DwjYtNm8v__PzffGOVSYGoa4q6sOV9gpU6mEwzUqAV4e1Z-ziR95aVhuN0A6CemkyZHKh_KjcFrK5kfv32sRv7xYxLvpAY044CJh_XIVQqx4fJ-b/s200/Speakers+at+World+DS+Day.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self- Advocate presenting at <br />
UN World Down Syndrome Day Conference</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd5C71msFT3AQ12ixosTp4XEd_TuL2oxV3tuMK0yHUQ8GBvnCmDRLWK4Uy8P6JlzcctY_nV-0DdREIFaq6BgfZKHi41Sa6Uw_ZKZFxguC4ZNbEvDIN4dTMR7y8KgMBDFyzrRTi2-inER6/s1600/UN+WDSD+Program+2012+for+Speakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd5C71msFT3AQ12ixosTp4XEd_TuL2oxV3tuMK0yHUQ8GBvnCmDRLWK4Uy8P6JlzcctY_nV-0DdREIFaq6BgfZKHi41Sa6Uw_ZKZFxguC4ZNbEvDIN4dTMR7y8KgMBDFyzrRTi2-inER6/s640/UN+WDSD+Program+2012+for+Speakers.jpg" width="489" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">DENVER and NEW YORK – On March 21, 2012, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome spoke at the first United Nations’ Down Syndrome Conference. The conference will commemorate the UN’s resolution to recognize March 21<sup>st</sup> as the official “World Down Syndrome Day” in 191 countries. World renowned speakers from several countries including Brazil, the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Peru have been invited to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michelle Sie Whitten, executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, will kick-off the panel of speakers addressing “The Power of Media – A Guide to Working with the Media to Promote Inclusion.” Whitten’s foundation has been successful in attracting celebrities such as Quincy Jones, Jamie Foxx, John C. McGinley, Beverly Johnson and Jeff Probst to the Down syndrome cause while equally promoting self-advocate celebrities and Ambassadors such as DeOndra Dixon, Karen Gaffney, Sujeet Desai and Alex Sessions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">To watch Michelle Sie Whitten's presentation at the United Nations Down Syndrome Conference, please click on the link below. Michelle's presentation starts at 1hr and 50 minutes.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2012/03/world-down-syndrome-day-commemorative-event-building-our-future-english.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">United Nations Down Syndrome Conference Video</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b></b><br />
<b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>To see Michelle Sie Whitten's presentation at the United Nations Down Syndrome Conference please click on the link below.For any questions please contact the Global Down Syndrome Foundation at</b> <a href="mailto:info@globaldownsyndrome.org">info@globaldownsyndrome.org</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B3caiseKVfYlpbaNpu8hXtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink" target="_blank">The Power of Media</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome are proud to stand with partners including UNICEF, Special Olympics and Down Syndrome International to commemorate the contributions and inherent value of people with Down syndrome at this first-of-its-kind event.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: #333333;">About World Down Syndrome Day</span></strong><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">World Down Syndrome Day was established by Down Syndrome International in 2006 and has been observed in more than 60 countries worldwide to date. It is held on 21 March (3/21) to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21 which causes the genetic condition. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and understanding about Down syndrome, and to promote the inherent rights of persons with Down syndrome to enjoy full and dignified lives and be active and valuable participants in their communities and society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A resolution to designate 3/21 as “World Down Syndrome Day”, to be observed every year beginning in 2012, was adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. The resolution was proposed and promoted by Brazil, and co-sponsored by 78 UN Member States. From 2012 onwards, the date will be celebrated by all 192 UN countries.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Join our global voices by participating in our global virtual account of how people with Down syndrome have greatly impacted our lives. We encourage <u>YOU</u> to post you personal stories showcasing individuals with Down syndrome and their accomplishments. Below I have shared with you the tremendous accomplishments of self-advocates that have touched my life dearly.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>DeOndra Dixon</u></b></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDLCdfPQF26llhXQ7D3_GFHPkJn3ukAucC5_nRKz8a7AeJBw2-iZTcIGDcUX5g7M_k2FO5CXTKVbOGa_e-FBKiZMIYZelNi8ypYVTOMEAh4Iaf0-eTBSzaa3gaZKGceW7fNqcKLqsKQGE/s1600/DeOndra+Headshot+for+Invitation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDLCdfPQF26llhXQ7D3_GFHPkJn3ukAucC5_nRKz8a7AeJBw2-iZTcIGDcUX5g7M_k2FO5CXTKVbOGa_e-FBKiZMIYZelNi8ypYVTOMEAh4Iaf0-eTBSzaa3gaZKGceW7fNqcKLqsKQGE/s200/DeOndra+Headshot+for+Invitation.JPG" width="200" /></a>When DeOndra Dixon was born in 1984 there were not many services or early intervention available for children with Down syndrome. But with the loving guidance of her mother and father, George and Annette Dixon, her big brother, her sister, and a grandmother with unwavering faith, DeOndra Dixon has created a well-balanced and meaningful life for herself beyond what many could have expected over 27 years ago.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">DeOndra lives in Westlake, California and continues her education at Tierra Del Sol Foundation School. Every morning she is up with her father, Mr. George Dixon, getting on the bus for the long trek to school where she also has a job in the school cafeteria. DeOndra is very proud of her job and is excited to receive her paycheck every two weeks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">DeOndra has won several medals in the Special Olympic Games including in shot put, track and field, bowling and soccer. She is the recipient of a school-wide poetry award and the 2009 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In September of 2010, DeOndra made her first trip to Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of people with Down syndrome and to call special attention to African Americans with Down syndrome. She met with many important representatives including Kareem Dale, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement & Special Assistant to the President for Disability. And she presented Congressman Patrick Kennedy with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In 2011, DeOndra became the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Ambassador and traveled to San Antonio to represent the Foundation at the National Down Syndrome Congress convention. DeOndra Dixon is the 2011 Ambassador and beautiful runway model.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1WXQhnXMl8" target="_blank">2011 Ambassador DeOndra Dixon </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Karen Gaffney</b></span></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDB9EopvSo-sFLAP_q88Wvt3lAPlpBjhDW502RK_V-E4BCx2cQj9CIR8yv936fJ4yKrsUD1J90SyjoHHhzo2qo2pNgw69sIii9zeWQ-BCGfrwBT40Ou8SPtVAzyi1hYdBrdKA76XuhC7N/s1600/Karen+Gaffney+Head+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDB9EopvSo-sFLAP_q88Wvt3lAPlpBjhDW502RK_V-E4BCx2cQj9CIR8yv936fJ4yKrsUD1J90SyjoHHhzo2qo2pNgw69sIii9zeWQ-BCGfrwBT40Ou8SPtVAzyi1hYdBrdKA76XuhC7N/s200/Karen+Gaffney+Head+Shot.jpg" width="142" /></a>From the moment she was born, Karen Gaffney began an incredible journey that continues today. Karen is the President of a non-profit organization dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion in families, schools, the workplace and the community for people with developmental disabilities. She is doing this by creating awareness and calling attention to the tremendous capabilities of people with disabilities. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Karen graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon and earned a two-year Associates of Science degree from Portland Community College. She successfully swam the English Channel as part of a six-person relay team. And two years ago, she accomplished her biggest swimming challenge yet - she swam 9-miles across Lake Tahoe in 59-degree water to show the world that people with Down Syndrome are more alike, rather than different, from everyone else.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Karen travels the country speaking to a wide range of audiences about overcoming limitations and about what can be accomplished with positive expectations. Karen tackles any challenge she faces with determination and commitment, knowing she has limits, but not allowing them to limit her drive to succeed. In 2010 Karen received the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sujeet Desai</b></span></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQqKfvJwXlArWLGRWwhsXvFNK2W7hzuEItGCllX-mxnmy3ihyTfft5js7ycc8kFNiLqAOEh9dCUdyTQGbYOcdKILbj8AhP5BBCBEcUWJ1cMRrRTjgUm6zsbSKG8K8ejojma_bTqoxSXQz/s1600/Sujeet+Desai+Headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQqKfvJwXlArWLGRWwhsXvFNK2W7hzuEItGCllX-mxnmy3ihyTfft5js7ycc8kFNiLqAOEh9dCUdyTQGbYOcdKILbj8AhP5BBCBEcUWJ1cMRrRTjgUm6zsbSKG8K8ejojma_bTqoxSXQz/s200/Sujeet+Desai+Headshot.jpg" width="130" /></a>Sujeet Desai is an accomplished musician born with Down syndrome. Sujeet has mastered seven instruments: Bb and Bass clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Piano, trumpet, and drums. In June 2001, he graduated from High School with honors and in May 2003, he graduated from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy in Massachusetts after a two-year residential post-secondary study in Music and Human Services. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After graduation, Sujeet worked as a teacher's aide for an elementary school music department and continues to introduce music to audiences though his volunteer work. Currently, he performs in community churches, nursing homes, senior centers and hospitals bringing his art to those away from home and family. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sujeet received such an overwhelming response from his musical performances that he decided to make music his career. Since March 2000, he has performed in over 40 states and 13 countries and is booked through 2012. Sujeet is a recipient of numerous National and International awards for his music and self-advocacy. Those awards include an Achievement Award on United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, World Down Syndrome Day Award from Down Syndrome International, Thank You Award from Special Needs Families Developmental Center in Dubai, and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sujeet, who lives independently, excels at a number of interests. He holds a 2nd degree Black Belt in martial arts (Tae Kwon Do), won gold & silver medals in the 1999 Special Olympics World Games in swimming and has received numerous other Special Olympics medals in skiing, cross-country running and bowling. He enjoys writing emails to his fans who visit his web site from all over the world. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sujeet’s amazing story has been highlighted in two documentaries and many TV and newspaper interviews. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine, as well as on TV shows including The View, 20/20 and the Oprah Winfrey Show.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sujeet has worked hard to become the finest musician he can be, while also working to overcome the limitations of his disability. Music has helped him bridge this gap. With his musical versatility, Sujeet is a role model who brings inspiration and hope to individuals with disabilities, their parents, and educators. Sujeet's mission is to send a message across the world that, given the proper opportunities, individuals with disabilities can “Make it Happen!”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Alex Sessions</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrA5WrYVYmbbeZph-9K9buMwGNwYc-7iUBKSqWKzWq1T70ASlvzp05oE4-r560q3PmDt48-4sBkvz430lWpwnIUqZe756v9L8bh_P2IapBvipXVnZILGesQxqPrcVHfhamSzFWD_18qnm/s1600/2011+BBBY+DC+Gala+Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrA5WrYVYmbbeZph-9K9buMwGNwYc-7iUBKSqWKzWq1T70ASlvzp05oE4-r560q3PmDt48-4sBkvz430lWpwnIUqZe756v9L8bh_P2IapBvipXVnZILGesQxqPrcVHfhamSzFWD_18qnm/s200/2011+BBBY+DC+Gala+Invite.jpg" width="200" /></a>Alexander Gregory Sessions was born January 19, 1994 in Dallas, Texas. Alex was born with Down syndrome. His parents were very happy when he was born – his brother Bill was 4 and they always wanted two boys. They did not know much about Down syndrome, but soon started educating themselves to make sure they did all they could to help Alex reach his intellectual and physical potential. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was not always easy for them to find resources. His mom became involved with the Down Syndrome Guild and his dad became involved in research and support for people with Down syndrome at a national level as a Member of Congress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Like many young children with Down syndrome, Alex was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, which causes intestinal blockage. He was only 9 months old. It took 4 months for my intestines to heal and then needed another major operation. Although Alex have a large scar on my stomach, he healed and has a wonderful life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alex is a typical teenager. He loves hanging out with his big brother Bill and his friends. Alex plays sports a lot and excels at football, track, basketball and swimming. Alex has won Special Olympics medals in swimming, basketball and track. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ever since Alex was little, he wanted to join the family tradition of being a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout just like his brother bill, dad and grandfather. After working very hard over six summers, in November of 2010 Alex received my Eagle Scout having earned 32 merit badges and completed a service project at White Rock Lake. Alex is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. Being an Eagle Scout has taught him never to give up, to work hard, and has allowed his friends and community to understand that we are more alike than different. It has taught Alex many life skills including the importance of helping others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alex also likes giving the prayer before each meal, so much that my parents call me the “Reverend Sessions!” He attends high school at the Notre Dame School of Dallas. When Alex finishes high school, he would like to become a public speaker, coach or a work in law enforcement. Alex would make a great policeman because he is good at helping people.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In 2011, Alex became the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Ambassador and was honored at the inaugural Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala in Washington DC.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e4QQouHFD8" target="_blank">2011 Ambassador Alex Sessions</a></div></div></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-81791652212439408452012-02-23T16:36:00.000-07:002012-02-23T16:36:22.422-07:002011 National Institutes of Health Report Shows Down Syndrome Remains the Least Funded Genetic Condition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://report.nih.gov/rcdc/categories/ProjectSearch.aspx?FY=2011&ARRA=N&DCat=Down Syndrome" target="_blank">http://report.nih.gov/rcdc/categories/ProjectSearch.aspx?FY=2011&ARRA=N&DCat=Down Syndrome</a></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-28060928059925789262012-02-22T12:00:00.002-07:002012-02-22T12:10:18.541-07:00DOWN SYNDROME ORGANIZATIONS EXPRESS DISSAPOINTMENT IN FEDERAL FUNDING DECREASE FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Colleagues and Friends ,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are disappointed to let you know that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding levels for research supporting people with Down syndrome actually decreased from $22 million in 2010 to $20 million in 2011. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the two national organizations – National Down Syndrome Congress and National Down Syndrome Society – are clearly on the same page to use this to redouble JOINT efforts to significantly increase research and medical care funding for people with Down syndrome.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are organizing a call to action and will keep you posted!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michelle Sie Whitten<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DOWN SYNDROME ORGANIZATIONS EXPRESS DISSAPOINTMENT IN FEDERAL FUNDING DECREASE FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2011 National Institutes of Health Report Shows Down Syndrome Remains the Least Funded Genetic Condition <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Denver, Atlanta, New York</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-- On Monday, February 13, 2012 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the fiscal year 2011 research funding for Down syndrome. The funding numbers decreased from $22 million in 2010 to $20 million in 2011 out of a total $31 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">billion</i> budget. The 2010 funding levels already equated to Down syndrome being the least funded genetic condition by the NIH, something many Down syndrome organizations have been trying to reverse. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a joint statement by the National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society and Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the Down syndrome community expressed its disappointment in the decrease. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are very disappointed the funding levels for research from the NIH have not increased, but in fact decreased. Prominent scientists believe the research for improving health and cognition is extremely promising.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Down syndrome community feels strongly about better medical care and outcomes for people with Down syndrome. Mainstream Americans overwhelmingly support federal funding for Down syndrome, as evidenced by a </span><a href="http://globaldownsyndrome.org/press/index.asp"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">2011 poll</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While funding for other conditions such as Fragile X and Cystic Fibrosis increased, funding for Down syndrome at the National Institutes of Health is significantly less and has plummeted since 2000, as evidenced by </span><a href="http://globaldownsyndrome.org/press/funding_for_down_syndrome.asp%20"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">numbers</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> published by the NIH.</span></div><br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, childhood leukemia, thyroid conditions, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are studying proteins related to human chromosome 21 and Alzheimer’s disease that would reduce the level of the protein and lead to improvements in cognition for individuals with Down syndrome. While these groundbreaking developments, supported primarily by private funding, are positive achievements, both government funding and clinical research infrastructure support are vital to our efforts to translate research achievements into real treatments and therapies.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We hope given these realities that research funding benefiting the lives of people with Down syndrome will increase at the NIH. We are grateful for the funding that has been provided so far and will continue to collaborate with the NIH in meeting our collective goals for increased funding.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About the National Down Syndrome Congress</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Founded in 1973, the National Down Syndrome Congress is the country’s oldest organization for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them. A 501(c)(3) non-profit advocacy organization, the NDSC provides free technical support and information about issues related to Down syndrome throughout the lifespan, as well as on matters of public policy relating to disability rights. Best known for its annual convention – the largest of its type in the world – the National Down Syndrome Congress is a grassroots organization recognized for its “family” feel, its “We’re More Alike than Different” public awareness campaign, and, its outreach to individuals from diverse backgrounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About National Down Syndrome Society</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization with more than 350 affiliates nationwide representing the more than 400,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. We demonstrate this commitment through our advocacy and public awareness initiatives that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="spelle">Crnic</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US committed to research and medical care for people with the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show - the single largest annual fundraiser benefitting people with Down syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds many programs and conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language Resource Project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">###<o:p></o:p></b></div></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-27149301817791700222012-02-09T15:28:00.000-07:002012-05-08T10:28:12.166-06:00World Down Syndrome Day Essay Contest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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January 20, 2012 through February 14, 2012</h3>
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World Down Syndrome Day Essay Contest for Middle School and High School Students.<br />
One winner from Middle School (6th-8th grades), and one winner from High School (9th-12th grades) in Colorado will be selected from each of the following categories:<br />
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<strong>Individual – Student with Down syndrome </strong><br />
Essay Writing Prompt: How is my life just like yours? </div>
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<strong>Individual - Student without Down syndrome </strong><br />
Essay Writing Prompt: How my classmate, friend, relative with Down syndrome has positively enriched my life.</div>
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<strong>Collaborative – 2 Friends – one with Down syndrome & one without Down syndrome </strong><br />
Essay Writing Prompt: How is our friendship better because of Down syndrome? </div>
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Submit your essay online at: <a href="http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/institutes/lindacrnic/Newsevents/Pages/EssayContest.aspx">http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/institutes/lindacrnic/Newsevents/Pages/EssayContest.aspx</a></div>
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GOOD LUCK!!</div>
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World Down Syndrome Day Essay Contest</h2>
</div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-4379894006221022822012-01-31T17:41:00.000-07:002012-01-31T17:41:15.339-07:00Telemundo Denver Interview for One Year Sie Center Anniversary - by Carlos Rausseo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlovsmjtSNg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlovsmjtSNg</a></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-8223247928677208892012-01-31T17:20:00.001-07:002012-01-31T17:39:30.591-07:00Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome One Year Anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome opened its doors to patients just a year ago. During that time the Sie Center has become the largest organization serving over 260 children with Down syndrome. Their team of multidisciplinary experts focuses solely on patients with Down syndrome. The Sie Center has served over 13% of children with Down syndrome under 21 residing in Colorado and has seen increased patient visits nationally including from Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Washington, California, and Florida.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The outstanding professionals at the Sie Center include nationally renowned experts dedicated to patient care...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meet some of the Sie Center Staff:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Medical Director<strong> Francis James Hickey, M.D.</strong> renowned specialist in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and his son, James</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Senior Physical Therapist, <strong>Patricia C. Winders</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU-V97Gi8JZSqi4kfwoj-HP_8ekakeGAAv-C6I9xGRF31KD4c2N-HvDR-6vJDvxGJfhC_Huneh-HnQGrWlnvHcKXOrL7Ly-x6hjRBWqgs7aQWp8YtvhoK3iuPyhRcTdsDTfJrDQpzhg8u/s1600/Patti+McVay+Symposia-Anca%2527s+Camera++OH+NO+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU-V97Gi8JZSqi4kfwoj-HP_8ekakeGAAv-C6I9xGRF31KD4c2N-HvDR-6vJDvxGJfhC_Huneh-HnQGrWlnvHcKXOrL7Ly-x6hjRBWqgs7aQWp8YtvhoK3iuPyhRcTdsDTfJrDQpzhg8u/s200/Patti+McVay+Symposia-Anca%2527s+Camera++OH+NO+097.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Executive Director of Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome <strong>Dr. Ed McCabe</strong>, Director of Education of Linda Crnic Insitute for Down Syndrome <strong>Patti McVay, </strong>Executive Director of Global Down Syndrome Foundation <strong>Michelle Sie Whitten</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Program Coordinator, <strong>Dee Daniels<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assistant Professor, <strong>Dr. Kristen Jensen</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bioethics and Community Outreach, Associate Professor<strong> Dr. Linda McCabe</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">…and many more professionals with over 80 years of combined experience!!</span></div></div></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-31230234979798727452012-01-13T17:25:00.000-07:002012-01-14T16:46:59.281-07:00Martin Luther King Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpctK_YFtlQIPZt0svEIM_8ccd4TiTI0oFKlTaGk1d5k28nBo7bIg-tT4xpWHDm9AtJHyLlrKfWBUCjCUNOeMzU-hF8YeiRObHvki0HYok_vapfWK0gQDftbLH4n-RXIosCRdAcTk_TsX/s1600/Mom+%2526+Sophia+at+Soccer+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpctK_YFtlQIPZt0svEIM_8ccd4TiTI0oFKlTaGk1d5k28nBo7bIg-tT4xpWHDm9AtJHyLlrKfWBUCjCUNOeMzU-hF8YeiRObHvki0HYok_vapfWK0gQDftbLH4n-RXIosCRdAcTk_TsX/s200/Mom+%2526+Sophia+at+Soccer+Game.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Friends and Colleagues,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;">I have the privilege of working with people with Down syndrome and children and adults who are differently-abled. In our work to improve funding, research, medical care, education and understanding, it is very clear to me that our work is deeply rooted in the ideals of human and civil rights. If society or individuals do not see our children, our people, as human, what can we achieve? If people who are differently-abled are not seen as equals worthy of rights and participation, what can we achieve?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, I would like to remember his work, his beliefs, and his words that even today apply to our community of the differently-abled and their families. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: center;">We have taken poetic license with his quotes to highlight our population. Please join us in our first VIRTUAL MARCH advocating human and civil rights for people who are differently-abled by choosing your favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quote (for your picket sign </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>:)</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: center;"> ) and letting us know why that quote resonates with your own personal story.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please know, we WILL be heard. And change, just like all those years ago, from Atlanta to Mississippi to Washington DC is in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;">Sincerely and with much appreciation,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director, Global Down Syndrome Foundation</span></div></div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-11812213673198960562012-01-13T14:06:00.000-07:002012-01-13T14:06:06.540-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div align="CENTER">"Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]"</div></h2><div style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html">http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html</a></div><br />
</div>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387690319035248809.post-11918461912402246772012-01-13T11:15:00.001-07:002012-01-13T11:15:51.511-07:00Martin Luther King - I Have A Dream Speech - August 28, 1963<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/smEqnnklfYs?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Global Down Syndrome Foundationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11502663993274601472noreply@blogger.com0