We are participating in the 2021 Buddy Walk to support inclusion for people with Down Syndrome. Abby who I refer to as my Booboo, is 17 and she has Down Syndrome. 
We did not know about Abby’s diagnosis until she was born.  There definitely was a period of adjustment for us.  I grieved for her, not knowing what kind of life she would have.  The last 17 years has taught me so much more than I ever thought I would learn about patience, love, freedom, and perspective.  Abby is so much more than I could have imagined.  She has opened my heart!  
Everyday tasks have not come easily.  She has undergone open heart surgery and two rounds of chemotherapy from Leukemia.  Abby fights for everything that she has, and I don’t mean this in a traditional sense.  She just wants what everyone else wants in this lifetime. She has to push to her limits to achieve those dreams: dreams of friendship that is hindered by speech delays and social judgement; dreams of college that is hindered by cognitive delays; dreams of dancing and gymnastics that is hindered by physical delays.  Abby struggles to find her place among peers and always wants to be included in her community.  As Abby is getting older, I am learning that I need to step back and give her more freedom.  In the last few years, I have been surprised and inspired on how Abby is accepted among her peers.  DS Networks provides opportunities for Abby to create friendships and advocates for people like my daughter to be included.  The connections with other families help us learn about ourselves and the world around us.  I am walking today to support a great organization: DS Network that advocated not only for my daughter but for all individuals Down Syndrome and their families. 

 
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