Words cannot express our enthusiasm and overwhelming gratitude for the past 10 YEARS and for your involvement in that journey! Abby is ten years old. Ten. Ten. Wow – what happened to the past decade??!! Especially since WE haven’t aged a year – lol. In all seriousness though, you show up year after year in support of Abby, the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, and to raise awareness of the value of individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs in our communities and lives. We cannot thank you enough!!! You have been Abby’s friend, cheerleader, relative, and guardian-angel these past 10 years, and it has meant everything to our lives – just as she has.
You never know where life will lead you. Ten years ago this summer the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin changed our lives forever after the delivery of our sweet daughter, and the news that she had Down syndrome. We didn’t know a single other person with DS, and all the books and websites were old and outdated. They painted the worst possible picture of what life could be like. DSAW changed our lives forever when we were wrapped in resources, support, fraternity, and an overwhelming sense of hope. We never looked back…and Abby is thriving! She can read, write, do division and multiplication – she loves her life and her friends…. you, and DSAW have been a large part of that success. We could have never known what an amazing blessing Abby would be. And, we could never thank DSAW enough for the lifelong support and direction they have provided.
That is why this year, Dawn accepted the important role of leading the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin as Executive Director. After much reflection, we knew that she could pay our blessings forward every day of her tenure at DSAW. Dawn has helped lead non-profit agencies to their greatest potential her entire professional career – the development of housing, employment and support service programs a major focus. More importantly, as Abby’s mom, we knew that Dawn could champion for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs with a ferocious passion, every day of her life.
People with Down syndrome are more LIKE the rest of us than they are different. They have feelings, talents and dreams just like everyone. They deserve to be accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they contribute to our lives and our communities. And, they deserve an adequate amount of resources to help them achieve amazing lives. DSAW is helping to make that happen more and more every day.
THAT IS WHY WE ARE SETTING A BIG GOAL FOR A BIG YEAR __ THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF ABBY’s TROOPERS!!
Donating through this website is simple, fast, and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts. You can make your tax-deductible donation online, or if you would prefer, you can send your contribution to the DSAW Office, 3211 S. Lake Drive, Suite #113, Saint Francis, WI 53235. (Just be sure to write our team name on the memo line so that we get credit for donation!) Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! To sponsor us simply press Donate Now.
Please also join us on Sunday, September 27th at the Milwaukee County Zoo and Run, Walk, Roll or Stroll with us as part of your team. It's an incredible day of celebration with family, friends and people who, like you, want to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise the hope of a better world for all people with /down syndrome. With your support and involvement, our goals of acceptance, inclusion and empowerment will become a reality!
To join our team simply click Join Our Team!
Many thanks for your support ~ and PLEASE don't forget to forward this to your entire address book and anyone else who you think might want to donate and register to walk as part of our Team.