Discovering Downs Mission:
The mission of Discovering Downs is to raise awareness for the acceptance and inclusion for individuals born with Down Syndrome. We want to be able to service the local community of Northeast Louisiana Region families with as many resources as possible. We want families to know that there is a support system in their local area to be able to help reach out to them in any way we can. We want families to know that having a baby born with Down Syndrome is a true blessing. We are here for them!
Founding Parent Statement:
Hi! My name is Lori Thames. I am mother to Trey, 16, Ethan, 12 and Lily Kay who is 9 and has Down Syndrome. I helped start this support group to help other parents who also have children and adults with Down Syndrome. When you have a newborn that is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, either before birth or after the birth of your child, there is a flood of emotions that come with the diagnosis. Discovering Downs , I feel, was started for this reason, to help families understand what a blessing it is to have a child with Down Syndrome. Also to help answer questions that come along, especially at first.
My passion is to encourage parents and help them in any way I can. I realized when Lily Kay was born, that there were a lot of other children and adults in Northeast Louisiana with Downs Syndrome. A few of us got together and started Discovering Downs of Northeast Louisiana. We are having our 3rd annual Buddy Walk that is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society. We have a great community that gets together and celebrates our children and adults with Down Syndrome.
My hope for the future of our group that we will reach parents in Northeast Louisiana and other areas to help people include and accept a person with Down Syndrome!
DISCOVERING DOWNS WITH NELA
- Local support system serving Northeast Louisiana families with individuals born with Down Syndrome
- We are an official local affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society
- Committed to promoting acceptance and inclusion of individuals born with Down Syndrome
- Monthly meetings for support
- New Parent Packets/Resources for Families
- Annual Buddy Walk Fundraising
- Family Fun Days
- Work with our local Families Helping Families
