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| Dear MDSC Member,
Say goodbye to the Weekly Update and hello to the new UpSide Weekly.
In our new format, you will continue to find the most up-to-date, informative, helpful news about Down syndrome in Massachusetts, no matter what your relationship to the Down syndrome community.
Now, with the new UpSide, we hope to do it in an even more fun, interactive, and user-friendly way. We hope you agree.
As always, we love to hear your feedback, so let us know what you think. And if you want to join our email list or check out our electronic communications archives, go here. |
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MDSC "Walks on Washington"
 Just in time to beat the snow, the MDSC yesterday sent an accomplished 9-member group down to Washington D.C. to lobby our national leaders on issues critical to the Down syndrome community.
They will meet with U.S. Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown and the rest of the Massachusetts delegation in Washington. (Above, Board Chair Louise Borke and Board member Dr. Brian Skotko flank Rep. John Tierney in a meeting today.)
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Countdown to World DS Day...
To celebrate, each day of March, as we lead up to those big events, we will post a Photo of the Day to our Facebook Page, choosing from among the beautiful photos that you sent us for our Style Down Syndrome Conference.
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Meet our Annual Conference Sibling Program Coordinator
 We are proud to announce the addition of Sam Stark (right) to lead the Brothers & Sisters track at this year's Annual Conference. Sam comes with a wealth of experience, both personal and professional. "When I was five, my parents signed me up for my first sibshop," Sam writes, "I loved having something that was only for me. It was an outlet for my thoughts and feelings where people could understand where I was coming from and wouldn't judge me for any emotions I had." Join us in welcoming Sam. Read her complete bio below, and be sure to register for our conference here.
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Make Memories with A.I.M.
 As we gear up for the craziness of the Annual Conference later this month, we're going to take it slow at A.I.M this Sunday. Self-Advocate Kunal Sharma (right) will lead a workshop on how to create your very own memory book. Kunal will share his own book full of photos and notes from family and friends. Then, just when you're nice and calm, we'll get you moving again, ending the day with a karate lesson! At the Newton YMCA, 276 Church St. from 12:30-3:30. A.I.M. is open to self-advocates from 13-22. See here or contact Colleen Endres for complete information. Also, don't forget to sign up for the Young Adult track of our Annual Conference on Saturday, March 17th! You don't want to miss the last session of the day -- our Talent Show Spectacular. Whether it's singing or dancing on stage, telling a joke, or bringing a piece of art to display, we want YOU to share your talent! Contact Colleen with any questions. |
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Boston Marathon Spotlight: Russell Trottier
Team MDSC's 2012 Boston Marathon Team is already on its way to victory. Eleven runners so far have raised upwards for $43,000 to date.
This week, the UpSide features Russell Trottier of Sutton, who has raised $6,111, second among our runners, and is inspired by his son Colin. Check out his page on the Boston Marathon's Charity site and you'll see why.
As Russell writes, "We are learning every day. Colin has two older brothers, Mason and Mitchell, both of which truly adore him. We didn't tell them that Colin had Down syndrome until just a couple weeks ago. Once we explained, both were concerned, and asked if Colin was going to be ok. We explained that Colin is going to be fine...and he will still be able to steal your toys."
You'll also see the video above featuring Colin and a link to a story in his hometown paper, the Daily Northbridge. And while your on the Boston Marathon Charity site, don't fail to notice the beautiful banner photo of one of our families, Barbara and Max Vanderwilden.
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