Giulianna’s Heart of Hope

GIULIANNA’S HEART OF HOPE:

We walk as a team to support Giulianna, Down Syndrome Awareness, Our Down Syndrome Community, an Inclusive Society  and to support The CHOP Trisomy 21 Program.

We walk and fundraise because now, more than ever, support is needed to provide brighter, better and healthier days for those living with Down Syndrome.

Giulianna just graduated Middle School and had a wonderful last year in general education with her friends.  She attended her 8th grade dances, was active in several after school clubs:  Circle of Friends, Fun & Fitness, Makers Club, Art Club & Logica, participated Marlton Recreation Sports Unity Program playing soccer, volleyball and basketball and attended ZZ Dance and ZZ Drama this year.  Giulianna was nominated Friendliest for Who’s Who in her yesrbook,  won the Physical Fitness & Health Award and made the Honor Roll!   Giulianna just celebrated her 16th Birthday and we couldnt be prouder of the young woman shes becoming.  Each day brings something different to take away, grow and learn from.  Giulianna enjoys hanging out with her sisters, Eva and Sophia and their friends who have become other sisters.  We'll have a big adjustment this year as we adjust to both sisters being off to college while Giulianna is home attending High School.  We couldn't be prouder of all our girls.  Giulianna is already telling us she's going to college, she’d rather skip high school and go straight to college but high school first. Giulianna's favorite word is still  “No” and the teenage years with everything they bring are here to stay for a while longer.  Life is Good.

So please join and support us this month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

The CHOP Buddy Walk® is the sole fundraiser for the Trisomy 21 Program: CHOP’s Trisomy 21 Program, which cares for more than 1,200 children and 300 adults annually, would not exist as it does today without the tremendous support of the CHOP Buddy Walk® & Family Fun Day.

The CHOP Buddy Walk® provides hope for tomorrow for children with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, the most frequently occurring genetic syndrome in the United States. One in every 800 children are born with Down syndrome, and they often face an uncertain future. These children are at greater risk of developing chronic and life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, bone deformities, neurological, gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders, as well as feeding and developmental disabilities.

How Can You Help?

By donating and helping me support:

• Ongoing clinical care and coordination for children and adults with Down syndrome and their families
• New assessment tools to identify potential issues and intervene early
• Continuing education for families, medical providers and community members
• Transformational research to improve the quality — and quantity — of life for individuals with Down syndrome

With your support, babies born with Down syndrome can experience the many joys of childhood — and flourish in adulthood.

Thank you!