Last year, we were plunged into the world of Down Syndrome. 

Addison Marguerite was born on November 16, 2018. Just minutes after taking her first breaths, the delivery doctor told us that Addison had some markers for Down Syndrome. He was calm and informative, patient, and perhaps most importantly, positive. He answered all of our questions, cried with us, held my hand and gave Shawn a hug. 

Nevertheless, our hearts broke. We felt as if all of the hopes and dreams that we had for our beautiful baby girl's future were dashed. If only we knew then, what we know now. 

After 30 hours at home, we were admitted to the Children's Hospital where we continued to receive excellent care. Never once did someone say the dreaded words, "I'm sorry." 

Instead, members of our care team tracked down a nurse on the floor who had a son with Down Syndrome. She connected me with the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society, told me about Gigi's Playhouse and Katie Beckett...

The cardiologist fawned over Addison's red hair; the pulmonologist joked that the only thing parents choose is their child's name and that neuro-typical, or not, we wouldn't be able to predict Addison's future!

The geneticist came by with the formal results of Addison's chromosomal analysis, brought reading material and showed me the Waisman Center, which we could see from our hospital room window.

A few days later, the newborn photographer that we had booked to take pictures, connected me with some local Moms who introduced me to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) and the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN).

Through DSDN I was able to join a birth group of Moms who had babies with Down Syndrome around the same time that Addison was born, which has been so helpful, so therapeutic and so healing.

From there I started reading Kelle Hampton's blog and watching Born this Way...

The Down Syndrome community is a remarkable one. 

After meeting so many wonderful people, I understand what a priveledge our experience has been. There are many people who receive a Down Syndrome diagnosis for their baby that is fraught with misinformation about quality of life and expectations. Imagine if the first words you heard about your son or daughter were that their life wouldn't be worth living... The DSDN specifically, was formed in part to help educate medical professionals and provide positive, factually accurate diagnosis experiences.  

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.

Addison is worthy. 

All that to say, if you're Down for Addison then we would love for you to join us at the 23rd Annual Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk. If you feel so inclined to donate, know that we appreciate it, but more than that, we would just love to see you there. The walk is all about awareness, acceptance, inclusion and empowerment.

Plus, who doesn't love the zoo?