Everyone has certain charities and “causes” that they support. Most of the time it is based on something that has personally touched their lives. For me, that is no different. I have been a supporter of Susan G. Komen and other various cancer related charities as well as Lupus charities primarily of losing people that were directly affected by these illnesses.
Most recently, I’ve become a supporter of the Ronald McDonald house, The Buddy Walk, and the CT Special Olympics. With these, I’ve become more than a supporter; I am deeply involved and it is a part of my life, a part of me, it is who I am now. You may notice that the theme with these are they have to do with children and Down Syndrome.
Most of you know by now that my son Grayson was born a year ago with Down Syndrome and Hirschsprung’s Disease. We had no idea he had Down Syndrome until after he was born and we didn't find out he had Hirschsprung's disease until five days later. It is extremely difficult to handle at first and unless you have experienced it, it is impossible to explain. Looking back on the past year I would not change who Grayson is. This little boy has a zest for life I wish I had. He can light up a room and has a smile that makes everyone smile.
Grayson has given me a new purpose in life. As I mentioned, these organizations and charities are now a part of me and my life. I want to be educated, I want to support the cause, I want to help other families in our same situation. I was a part of a group of dads who started a local chapter of D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) and currently serve as the Communications Director for that group and get to talk to new fathers who have just had a child with DS, because I know how helpful it is. My wife and I were just recently asked, by the head of the Genetics department at Wake Forest University hospital, to come speak to a class of 120 medical students about our experiences. It is part of my life now to advocate, educate, and support others.
Many of you were very gracious in supporting “Racin’ for Grayson” at our recent Buddy Walk here in North Carolina. Since my wife and I still consider our Connecticut neighborhoods our home town, it is important to support those in CT as well. I will only drive one charity event in NC and one in CT each year as I appreciate all your support and donations and want to respect that you have other causes to support as well.
There has been a Penguin Plunge team for CT Special Olympics that has been in existence for 5-6 years now. A friend I have known for 30+ years has been heading this team up as his son has DS. I was asked to join this team and take the “Plunge” into the icy waters of Hammonasset Beach. It is a special year for this team as well because another friend of ours had a son with DS 5 months after Grayson was born. The ironic thing is, all three of us went to Kelley Elementary school in Southington, CT. Which leads me to believe there must have been something in the water then!
We would love if you would join our team by making a donation, plunging with us, or both.
I will be flying up from NC to jump into the icy waters. Will you join me?
I have included the link to join our team by donating, plunging or both.
Thanks for all the support.
Live-Love-Laugh
http://soct.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?px=1325121&pg=personal&fr_id=2890
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