A week ago this past Saturday, September 18, we attended the 1st Annual Down Sydrome Awareness Walk hosted by the newly formed support group called Ups of Downs. It was held at Tomlison Run Park on a beautiful, sunny day. It was a heart warming day to see the great turn-out of family, friends and supporters of the mission undertaken by the Ups of Downs group.
There was entertainment, games and activities for all the kids, an impressive amount of nice things for a Chinese Auction, free food and water and smiles all around. The "walk" was an impressive show of solidarity of everyone in attendance. One fellow hauling an oxygen tank while using a walker won an argument with his family making the whole circuit determined to show his support, especially for his granddaughter. The gleam in his eyes was one of the most rewarding things we believe we've ever seen. It was indicative of the love and devotion you see in the eyes of every parent of Down's children.
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that happens through some quirk of nature in about one in every 733 births. The disorder affects children of all races that alters their course of development and is the cause of different characteristics. They experience cognitive delays but with support and stimulation, both at home and school, they are just like other children with rewarding love, devotion and warmth. Parents of Down's children are special, for we really believe that the Good Lord only allows trusted ones to care for them.
Up until earlier this year the nearest support group was either out near Youngstown or down around Steubenville. The Ups for Downs support group was formed by local tri-state family and friends. When looking for a place to hold their monthly meetings they were welcomed with open arms and offered the use of East Liverpool's Moose Lodge. The Women of the Moose Chapter 642 even adopted the group giving them encouragement and support.
The Ups of Downs Tri-State Down Syndrome Support Group got organized, got registered as a tax exempt non-profit organization and is affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Society. Borrowing seed money to get started the Awareness Walk was their first major fund raising attempt. From the nearly 200 people who registered for the event it appears they were greatly successful. Now they will be able to relax a little knowing they have some funds to carry on their mission. The group's treasurer offered to allow me to see his spreadsheet book keeping of every cent that is donated or raised. He said that offer is open to anyone.
The group meets once a month at the EL Moose Lodge on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 P.M. The lodge is located on 3rd Street in that city. The meetings are open and everyone is welcome to attend. Spencer's Mom, Nikki D'Atri, is the group's President. Jan Joy is V.P., Lisa Darrington is secretary and Doug Verzella is treasurer.
In talking to Nikki she asked us to express the group's appreciation to all those that help sponsor and donated to this year's walk. She said a special thanks goes out to the members of the Moose, especially the twins.
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