As soon as Emalee was born and we were given the suspected news of Down syndrome, I felt completely isolated. All around me, new mothers in other birthing units were getting smiling visitors, receiving congratulations, and it felt like I was in a parallel universe.

My experience isn’t uncommon and sadly I’ve heard of many others that are far more negative or discouraging.

Luckily, a doctor in the hospital who has a child with DS of her own heard our news and came to visit with a plethora of clinical and parental guidance.

Stepping into parenthood is an anxious experience, stepping into parenthood with the added hurdle of a disability increases that anxiety infinitely.

That’s why we’re joining the Canadian Down Syndrome Society for the Down Syndrome Walk on June 15th.

Because it’s time for society to have more access to accurate, positive, constructive information about DS.

Because it’s time to create a more inclusive and accessible society.

Because it’s time for the world to see more people with DS and find out just how much they have to offer.

CDSS empowers the Down syndrome community by providing resources, advocating for policy change, engaging communities, and driving society to shift perceptions and narratives.

We’d love for you to join Team Emalee or host your own walk/fundraising event (no matter how big or small!) or you can donate to our team here!

No matter how you join, you’re helping people like Emalee and the DS community to show the world just how amazing life with an extra chromosome can be.