In Honor of #WorldDownSyndrome Day, Pass Along These Myths and Facts about #DownSyndrome

We want to take a moment, actually an entire day, to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! We're a little early. The big day is tomorrow, and we want to share our excitement with you.

How will YOU celebrate World Down Syndrome Day tomorrow? Ditch the myths. Squeeze the loved ones in your life who have DS. Celebrate them! That’s what today is for :)

Down Syndrome Awareness. Beyond raising money for the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital, we want to start changing the way people see #DownSyndrome. 

If you're reading this you've probably heard and rejected Down Syndrome myths a million times, but that's exactly why it's up to wonderful people like you to spread the word, to raise awareness about what #DownSyndrome actually means.

So, let's get started!

For a while now we have been tweeting and retweeting Down Syndrome Myths and Facts, and today is the perfect day to get them all in one place.

So tweet, share, and love on these little lovely reminders about Down Syndrome.

Myth: People with #DownSyndrome are always happy.

Fact: People with #DS have a wide range of emotions like everyone else. They're hurt by unkind behavior and respond to positive expressions of friendship.

Myth: People with #DownSyndrome can't have romantic relationships. 

Fact: Many people with #DS date and marry. 

Myth: Adults with #DownSyndrome are unemployable. 

Fact: Adults of all ages with #DS are happily employed. We know many here in Kansas City, alone. :)

Myth: Down Syndrome is a rare disorder.

Fact: #DS is the most commonly occurring genetic disorder.

One last thing, Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

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Our Friend Sam Rogers Takes Northman Crown at Shawnee Mission North

"Mom, I won, I won!  I won Northman!  Best night ever!  I love North!"” Sam reacted when seniors at Shawnee Mission North named him Northman, a coveted title by any high schooler’s standards.

Sam’s mother Kelly Rogers was just as excited when sam called to tell her the news, “I was thrilled and cried when Sam was nominated and was in the top 20 nominated young men.”

When Sam’s friends nominated him, he was so excited, but that only made him want to win more. For Kelly, Sam had already won, “In my eyes, Sam ‘won’ just by being nominated. I was thrilled that the seniors at North thought so much of Sam that they would nominate him and vote for him for Northman.”

Similar to Homecoming or Prom King at other Schools, Northman begins with the Top 20 nominations. Those are narrowed down to 10, the top 3, and finally the winner.

When SMN announced the Top 3 nominees at a basketball game, Sam was ecstatic, and everybody but Sam seemed to know that he had the competition in the bag.

At a school assembly Shawnee Mission North seniors voted Sam to victory as Northman, officially. Sam’s reaction? Pure joy. See for yourself. The moment before Sam was announced the winner his fellow nominees were anticipated his reaction, pointing, looking, etc.

Sam's sister, a teacher, found out about Sam's nomination from the Down Syndrome Guild's Facebook, while she was at school. "I think she screamed! She was so excited!" Kelly remarks.

College life may be around the corner, but Sam is not in a hurry to move on from high school. He’s loved his experience at SMN. Kelly can see why, “He truly loves going to school at North.  The student body there is so accepting of people's differences and always has been.  Sam has really been embraced there by the other students.  There are some of the most amazing, kind,caring and compassionate young people at North. It has really been a joy to experience. It has been a wonderful community for Sam.”

Outside of school he likes to play video games, watch Disney Channel. One of his favorite people in the whole world is his brother in law, Brock. Kelly says, “The two of them play video games and do all kinds of stuff together. He likes to play basketball, play outside, normal kid stuff.”

In the future Sam plans to attend a technical school that provides job skills and life skills. He’ll be eligible until he’s 21, so his mother plans for him to study there until then. Sam’s looking forward to going to college after that, but for now he’s enjoying his reign as Northman.

Congrats Sam!

Congrats Sam!

Save the Date, 12th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction Underway

We laughed. We auctioned. We drank wine last year at the 11th Annual Wine Auction at Shook Hardy & Bacon, one of our best years yet. In April, we plan to have all the fun, see some new faces, and enjoy wine once again.

Some of our favorite moments from last year.

Chris and Carissa were dressed to the nines. 

Everyone wanted a photo op.

Dean & Deluca catered, and we ate every last bite. 

We laughed. 

We saw some friendly faces and learned about their loved ones. 

Thanks to the support of the First Downs for Down Syndrome Community and the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City, we enjoyed a simply incredible evening. We were also able to raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City and for the annual prom.

Save the Date now.
Thursday April 16, 2015. 6-9pm
Shook, Hardy, & Bacon Law Firm
2555 Grand

If you attended the Annual Wine Auction last year, then you know you won't want to miss it this April. If you've never been able to make it, 2015 is your year to join the Kansas City City Chiefs and hundreds of your favorite Kansas City friends of the Down Syndrome community.

For tickets and a list of the wonderful sponsors who make this happen, go here.

Cheers, and see you in April!

#Giving Tuesday

To celebrate #GivingTuesday we invite you to think about GIVING to those in need. Sometimes this is not always a family member or friend, but an organization like ours that thrives on your support and involvement. We invite you to donate money to First Downs for Down Syndrome this holiday season. Pledge to advocate, volunteer or donate. 

What is #GivingTuesday?

First came Black Friday. Next came Cyber Monday. Finally, #GivingTuesday. Christmas and Thanksgiving are meant to spend with loved ones. They’re meant to celebrate the love and gratitude in all of our lives, but sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the gifts and parties. During this time #GivingTuesday comes to the rescue, a day dedicated to giving to those truly in need. Giving can mean three different things: advocating, donating, or volunteering. #GivingTuesday transformed into a globally recognized campaign and tradition two years ago, and this year will come to life again on December 2, 2014. 

We invite you to participate in #GivingTuesday by donating to First Downs for Down Syndrome. Remember, we are only around because of caring people like you. For over 22 years, your contributions goes directly to local Kansas City families. We cannot exist without your support, and we are so thankful for you.

Talk #Giving Tuesday with us on:

• Pinterest
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Thank you for all you do for First Downs. Donate now through our site OR through RAZ Mobile.

Candid KC Photo Booth Works Their Magic at Arrowhead with First Downs

Thanks to you guys last Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium brought in thousands of people from around Kansas and Missouri. We raised over $400,000 and we spread Down Syndrome Awareness and love all day long. Complete with face paint, a moon bounce, plenty of food and KC Wolf the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk was one of our most successful and fun events yet.

We could not have hosted such a uniquely different event without all of you, the loving supporters of Down Syndrome. To see all our candids from the event, see the full Step Up for Down Syndrome album on our Facebook.

Our friends from Candid KC Photo Booth also did their thing as they do at a prop filled photo booth. Kids, families, and just plain adults all wanted in on the photo booth action. How could you not? Candid KC supplied oversized sunglasses, signs, mustaches and even a crown (#TakeTheCrown) for everyone getting their photo-op to hold up! The photos? Hilarious, adorable, worth a thousand + words.

Like them on Facebook to tag you and your friends in their photos. Even book 'em for your next event! Their enthusiasm and plain silliness makes every event special, but don't take it from us; the prints don't lie!

To check out all the photos and click here, and don't forget to like them on Facebook!
We are already ready for our close-up again, Candid KC Photo Booth! Thank you for coming out and supporting First Downs!

18th Annual Huddle Time Sports Auction--Let the Countdown Begin!

Huddle Time is Back. Our 18th annual Sports Auction is on!

Details:

September 15, 2014

Shadow Glen Golf Club

26000 Shadow Glen St, Olathe, KS 66061

Get your tickets here!

Last year Jimmy Nielson handed over a signed signature pink jersey of his. The former Sporting KC goalie made an appearance along with Chiefs players, past and present.

This year, Bid on one of these special featured items:

Sporting KC tickets and autographed team jersey & team ball,

Chiefs tickets for December 28- Chiefs vs. Chargers,

Ski trip to Mt. Solitude, Utah for four with airfare included,

Game worn items from current Chiefs players,

Chiefs Tailgate and Tickets

Check out the complete list of auction items.

Current and former Chiefs players will also attend the sports auction. Spot your favorite teammates and get pumped for a winning season! Win. Win.

For updates on one of our favorite events of the year follow the hashtag #FirstDowns4DS and #HuddleTime in the upcoming weeks.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all the First Downs action, inspiring stories, and updates on local families we love!

Blue Valley Northwest Players + Coaches Share Why They Support First Downs

We asked a couple football players and coaches at Blue Valley Northwest what they think of being a part of FDFDS. Here is what they said…

We chatted with: Coach Mike Zegunis, Miles Alexander, Caleb Hughes, Zack Zegunis, and Dalton Schoen

How Did You First Learn About First Downs for Down Syndrome? 

Caleb: Through Coach Zegunis and the football team.

Coach Zegunis: As an assisstant coach at Olathe East about fifteen years ago.

What is Your Favorite Part About Supporting FDFDS?

Caleb: Knowing that its going to such a great cause.

Miles: Helping out those who are affected by Down Syndrome

Coach Zegunis: I can show my players that being a leader is about serving and helping out others and FDFDS is an easy example of how to help others out.

Other than the CHIEFS, who is the team you’ll be watching this season?

Caleb: The Jayhawks and the Seahawks

Why Should Other Schools/Football Teams Participate in the High School Fundraising Program?

Miles: It’s a good cause, and it isn’t hard to participate in.

Coach Zegunis: It not only is a great way to help others out – but you can also help yourself (your team) out by raising money for your program.

What Makes You a Proud Coach/Player?

Coach Zegunis: Knowing that my players are learning life-long lessons and creating memories and habits that will last forever.  

As Practice Starts Up Again, Give Us A ‘PRO’ Tip to Help with Fitness, Health or Game Strategy/Planning:

Caleb: Listen to your body.

Miles: Strategy and Planning. Staying Hydrated. 

Zach: The more prepared you are, the less worried you’ll be.

Why You Are Passionate About Helping Those With Down Syndrome? 

Zach: I love seeing the smiling and happy faces of the people who I come in contact with who have down syndrome, and I love thinking and feeling that I am helping out. 

Coach Zegunis : I love the fact that we can help out financially families and individuals that are affected by Down Syndrome.  I am also glad to bring awareness and recognition to these individuals.  

Final Thoughts:

Go Huskies!

A Little Bit About Down Syndrome

Why We Do What We Do.

In 1992 Gene Stallings, best known for his coaching and assistant coaching career with Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys, had a baby with Down’s. He felt inspired to partner and help local families struggling with some of the obstacles that came along with Down Syndrome and to celebrate their special miracles as well.

When Is Money Raised?

For the last 18 years FDFDS has carried out this message and raised money for local families affected by Downs Syndrome along with Children’s Mercy Hospital through a handful of big events every year. We are proud to host the Annual Wine Auction,

Upcoming Events

Sept. 15: Golf Tournament and Huddle Time. Two big events taking place all in one jam packed and fun filled day this year at Shadow Glen Golf Club

Oct. 19: Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk 

Our Biggest Event of the Year will take place at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, October 19.  Get your team together. Register here (www.stepupfordownsyndromekc.org ) and walk around the stadium to support First Downs!

Dec. 12: Holiday Concert Series Chris Mann from NBC's The Voice and Oleta Adams, Kansas City native, pair with the Kansas City Symphony for a soulful and uplifting evening of wonderful music.

A couple throwback pictures of BVNW working with FDFDS :) We love our players and coaches there! Thank you for the support!