Hi Beth

I'm new to the T21 Advocacy world myself as Noah is only 4 months but we are trying to contact all of the media networks for down syndrome awareness month (October) as the media does have a huge influence on how society thinks. We just want our children and their stories to be heard and for T21 to reach a level of "normalcy" in our communities so that they are not left out.

Some of the major news and daytime show addresses are listed below. We're also going to try to contact our local newspapersto enlist help in raising awareness of T21. Since October is down syndrome awareness month and shows do need a few months to plan and produce their episodes, we are trying to start the letter writing early (May/June). If you'd like to participate, please join us and write to the listed shows and/or your local media. We need to let them know that a lot of us are affected by this diagnosis and that our children have the ability and right to be a contributing member of our society. We want them to feature inspirational, informative stories so that our children and adults with T21 are not considered "marginal" members of our communities.

I don't have any experience with advocating on a governmental level but want to take advantage of the media influence. If each one of us can change the perception of T21 for just 10 people every year, think of how many people we can reach in 20, 30, or 40 years!

It's so great that you want to advocate for Gus and all of our children. I feel the same way! Because we love, there's real conviction & desire.

Thanks,

Banah
Mommy to Noah born 12/31/2003