Run Hand in Hand with Individuals with Down Syndrome
When Edison was born, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome: a genetic condition caused by an extra 21st chromosome, characterized by health problems, developmental delays and learning disabilities. Edison’s diagnosis was compounded by seizures, sensory integration problems and anxiety, leading doctors to warn his parents that their son may never walk or talk.
But with help from the Down Syndrome Research Foundation (DSRF), Edison’s incredible potential has been unleashed.
At DSRF, Edison and his family have found the support needed to realize his full potential. Now 8-years-old, Edison has far surpassed doctors’ expectations. Though his speech was delayed, he now talks like a chatterbox. He attends school, takes piano lessons, plays soccer in an integrated league and reads at a Grade 1 level.
As Edison has progressed through DSRF’s speech therapy program, his mom, Lisa has come to appreciate DSRF’s ability to find the tools that will work best with her son. “They’re so willing to try new things. I know that everyone at DSRF sees Edison for the amazing child that he is, not the label that he has, and they really want to help him realize his potential.”
Every day, stories like Edison’s are written at DSRF. Individuals with Down syndrome have tremendous potential. Through DSRF’s innovative marriage of research and customized educational programming, students gain the skills and confidence to become contributing members of the community.
As you achieve your goal of competing in the BMO Vancouver Marathon, you can make dreams come true for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, by participating in the RUN4HOPE on behalf of the Down Syndrome Research Foundation.
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How to become a DSRF Charity Runner
As a DSRF Charity Runner, participants commit to raising a minimum of $250 for the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. DSRF directly supports our runners to help make your fundraising a success. Specifically, DSRF will provide:
- a customized fundraising web page
- promotion through DSRF’s website, Facebook and Twitter
- regular e-mails from DSRF with fundraising tips and encouragement
- a DSRF “hand in hand” pin
- the satisfaction of helping young people with Down syndrome reach their full potential, and the greatest cheering section you can imagine during the race
Please join us, and run hand in hand with those on the lifetime journey of Down syndrome.
Become a Charity Runner today
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Down Syndrome Research Foundation
Helping Individuals with Down Syndrome Reach Their Full Potential
Our mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential throughout life by pioneering and providing educational programs and services, grounded in foundational research. Working with researchers, professionals and families, we are a bridge between research and practice.
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