Top 5 Celebrity Down Syndrome Advocates

1. Lauren Potter

Who doesn’t love Lauren Potter? Best known as the actress who plays Becky Jackson on the hit show Glee is one of the few actors with Down syndrome who has broken into Hollywood. Obviously that fact is reason enough to admire Lauren, but she doesn’t let her celebrity status go to waste. She uses her fame to help raise awareness about Down syndrome and end the R-word.

2. Eva Longoria

Eva is the founder of Eva’s Heroes, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of those with intellectual special needs. Her advocacy stems from her love of her older sister, Elizabeth, who has Down syndrome. Eva’s Heroes, based in San Antonio, Texas, provides an inclusive environment based on “interact, grow, learn and love.” The organization helps teens and young adults integrate with and flourish in society.

3. John C. McGinley

As one of television’s favorite doctors, the actor who played Dr. Perry Cox on Scrubs has used his celebrity to advocate on behalf of his son with Down syndrome, Max. In 2011, John received the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for his work related to people with Down syndrome and people with developmental disabilities in general. John is also a board member and international spokesperson for the foundation and advocates for the Special Olympics campaign “Spread the World to End the Word.”

4. Patricia Heaton

After discovering Reece’s Rainbow Adoption Ministry, Patricia developed a fierce passion for the organization and advocating for those with Down syndrome. The Everybody Loves Raymond actress started a Twitter campaign in 2011 promising $1 to Reece’s Rainbow for every new follower she received up to $10,000. The goal was reached in less than 48 hours! Patricia continues to use social media to spread awareness about Down syndrome.

5. Jamie Foxx

Actor, musician and comedian, Jamie Foxx, has used his voice to help raise money for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The foundation also presented him with the 2012 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awrd. Jamie is continuously inspired by his sister DeOndra Dixon, who lives a rich and rewarding life with Down syndrome. Jamie is often seen with DeOndra at red carpet events!

Meet the Down Syndrome Guild's Prom King & Queen

For the past several years the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City’s (DSGKC) Prom King and Queen have joined us at our annual Wine Tasting and Auction. 2014 is no exception as we welcome back Chris and Carissa to our event on April 24.

Not only are Chris and Carissa DSGKC’s Prom King and Queen, but they are actually dating. Every year we welcome this sweet couple to our Wine Tasting and Auction to remind us all why we are here: To raise funds for the Kansas City Down syndrome community and to make prom dreams come true for hundreds of people with developmental disabilities in the Kansas City area.

Before we welcome you all to our special event, we’d like to introduce you to the wonderful couple that continue to inspire us year after year.

Prom Queen Carissa

Carissa is a vibrant young woman with a lot of personality. She is currently a hospitality assistant at Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Down Syndrome Clinic thanks to a special auction item at the First Downs for Down Syndrome event, Huddle Time. 

Because of Huddle Time, Carissa has been able to work at Children’s Mercy for the past two years. As a hospitality assistant, Carissa greets families, provides snacks and play activities to children, maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the clinic and play areas, and assist with clerical projects. We are so proud of Carissa!

Prom King Chris

After speaking with Chris, it’s clear that he has a huge heart because he is very caring and loving. Chris is also a Special Olympics champ. After traveling with Team USA in the 2011 Special Olympics in the 2011 World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, Chris came home with four medals after competing in four aquatic events.

Not to mention, Chris has been involved with Special Olympics for 12 years and also participates in basketball, golf and flag football. He has previously been named the Northwest Missouri Athlete of the Year. On top of his sports activities, Chris assists his mom in running the St. Joseph, Mo. Young Athlete Program.

Meal Planning Tips for Children with Down Syndrome

We all know that a healthy diet is one of the key ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle. And this is especially true for children with Down syndrome because the problem with the genetic condition is not only the condition itself, but the increased risk of other medical conditions. Those with Down syndrome are also at risk of things like congenital heart defects, thyroid conditions, celiac disease and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the help of a healthy diet can help your child potentially avoid these other conditions and live a happy, healthy life.

When you’re out grocery shopping, remember to add these yummy (and gluten-free) foods to your list:

1.  Beans, seeds, and nuts in their natural, raw form
2.  Fresh eggs
3.  Fresh poultry, fish, and lean meats (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
4.  Fruits and vegetables
5.  Most dairy products: While some dairy products are great, you may want to keep avoid protein from cows and substitute with non-dairy products or goat milk products. Children with Down syndrome respond well to both of those.

To keep your child at a healthy weight, choose nutrient dense foods and try to limit as much junk food as possible. An easy rule of thumb to follow is to eat foods found in nature, and avoid man-made foods, or “processed foods,” as much as possible.

Test out some of the above options and see how your child feels and acts. Keep track of your child's new diet with a food journal and note how your child reacts to different foods. Once you figure out what he or she likes best, you can stick to the basics and make different recipes based on those ingredients. Simply by incorporating these healthy, nutrient dense foods into your family's diet, you can ensure a happy, fulfilling life for your child.

Gerry Boeckmann Steps Up: Boeckmann Awarded $1,000 For Step Up Walk Team

Our support for the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City and other Down syndrome organizations is only possible because of the amazing people who support us. Gerry Boeckmann, Down syndrome advocate and First Downs for Down Syndrome supporter, was recently recognized for his admirable efforts.

Boeckmann, a first officer with United Airlines, received a $1,000 reward for his accomplishments as a team captain at the 2013 Step Up for Down Syndrome walk. Boeckmann and his team walked on behalf of his son, Noah, who has Down syndrome. Their team, Noah’s Angels, exceeded everyone’s expectations by raising over $4,000 at last year’s event.

Pictured: Sarah Wren, Amy Allison, Gerry Boeckmann, Amy Stoll & Tiffany Way.

We can’t express how thankful we are for Gerry Boeckmann’s support – and we can’t wait to see what his team raises in 2014!

First Downs for Down Syndrome Presents Check to Local Down Syndrome Clinic

On Wednesday First Downs for Down Syndrome presented Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Down Syndrome Clinic a check for $48,242.

For the past 18 years First Downs for Down Syndrome has supported Children’s Mercy’s clinic, awarding more than $500,000. The Down Syndrome Clinic addresses the needs of children with Down syndrome as well as offers support and education to their families. The clinic also serves as a consultative service and screening mechanism for children with Down syndrome from birth through adolescence, following the Health Care Guidelines created by the National Network of Medical Clinics for Children with Down syndrome.

Thanks to your support, Children’s Mercy has been able to help many Kansas City families and children affected by Down syndrome. With your continued support, we can help improve the quality of life for many more affected by this genetic condition. 

Visit our website, www.fdfds.org, to learn more about upcoming events and how you can bring more hope to Kansas City children and families.

Why We Care About Down Syndrome

Despite the fact that Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition in the United States, we still don’t know everything there is to know about it. Yet, every day we are happy to learn more about our family and friends as they discover the world in a brand new way. But what we do know is that people with Down syndrome live the same lives we do. They laugh with us, learn with us, cry with us and even work with us. 

We also know that individuals with Down syndrome are at-risk for congenital heart conditions, gastrointestinal problems, Celiac disease, hearing conditions, eye problems and thyroid conditions. These hard truths – and the mysteries – about Down syndrome are the reasons why we continue to care about the genetic condition. 

So we work with and raise funds for Kansas City Down syndrome organizations and clinics like the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, the Mission Project and the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Mercy Hospital. We support these organizations so that those families, new parents and individuals affected by Down syndrome have the resources they need to live happy, fulfilling lives. 

That’s why we care about, and advocate for, Down syndrome. And we think it’s a pretty good reason for you to care, too. We challenge you to join us at one of our upcoming events. We promise you’ll have a really great time for a really good cause.

11th Annual Wine Auction Tickets On Sale Now

We’re excited to announce that this year’s Private Cellar Wine Tasting and Auction are now on sale. This year’s event will be on April 24, 2014 at the Shook, Hardy & Bacon Law Firm at 2555 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. 

Guests will enjoy a wide selection of wins to taste and bid on, while the fabulous food and atmosphere will make this an evening to remember. Not only will you have a good time, but you’ll be having fun for a good cause! Because of your support, hundred of Kansas City youth with disabilities will be able to enjoy the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City’s Prom. Those with developmental disabilities will be able to have the time of their life thanks to you!

Make it a night to remember for you and hundreds of people with developmental disabilities. Get your tickets to the 11th Annual Wine Auction today!