"Our son Dominic was born, and 5 weeks later we found out that he had Down syndrome. It wasn't detected in utero or even when he was born. The truth of the matter is, although the doctors didn't see it because he looks just like daddy, we both thought to ourselves after he was born that his eyes looked just a bit different. Although it was what we both thought from the start, it still wasn't a diagnosis that we were prepared for. It was extremely difficult to grasp at first, but then we thought 'why shouldn't we have a child with Down syndrome? What makes us any different from the others that have gone before us?' Looking back we can't believe how far we have come as a family. Our son is amazing and is going to do really big things just like our 3 other children. He has made our home a happier and livelier place. We honestly can't picture our lives without him!

The Massachusetts Down syndrome Congress has been a huge support for us from the very beginning. Their Parents First Call program is amazing and put us in touch with some very beautiful and supportive families. Without the positive and beautiful stories they told of their own journeys we wouldn't be where we are today with ours. Which is why chairing this event is so very important- not only to our family but to the entire Down syndrome community. The MDSC has so many wonderful programs like Parents First Call program, Advocates in Motion and advocacy on Beacon Hill for legislation to support individuals with Down syndrome. Our family and team "Dominic's Angels" has set a goal of $6000 to support the MDSC's vital programs and services. It is our way of thanking such a supportive and caring organization for what they have done not only for our family but the entire Down syndrome community."

We hope you join the Caprios and hundreds of others at the Buddy Walk by the Sea on Sunday. You can register here. If you can't make, you can support the Caprios or other Buddy Walk by the Sea teams here.