Rising Kites

Our 12-week ultrasound, the day that Justin and I got the news that our unborn baby had anomalies for Down syndrome was one of those “gut-punching, knock-the-wind-out-of-you” conversations with our doctor. On the screen, our baby looked and sounded perfect. We didn’t really have questions, we both kind of just sat there in disbelief with tear filled, watery eyes. Why?! How?! Was it something that I did wrong?! Was it something that I could have prevented?! Why did God choose us to travel this journey?!

The month and a half that we had to wait for our amniocentesis results was excruciating. I wasn’t scared of having a baby with Down syndrome, I wasn’t scared of the life that I would have to let go of and the things that would change. I feared the life that my baby would have, if she would be healthy, and whether I could give her everything that she needs to thrive.

When we got the call with the amniocentesis results, I knew when the nurse on the phone asked “are you with your husband” that our baby did indeed have Down syndrome. My heart sank.

Once the news set in, I started to do my own research and educate myself.  The information that I was finding on the internet was all negative, about a life that I would be bound to a child who is unable to function and do things a typical child can do.  A child with a bunch of health issues, that I could never really communicate with and have a special bond with. A child that would be a burden. Apparently, it is also very common for OB/GYN’s to not have information for you on a Down syndrome diagnosis, this was unfortunately the case for me. So really, I had no idea what to do, where to go, or who to turn to for guidance.

That is when I found Rising Kites, Danielle and Sammie’s Instagram account.  A beacon in the dark. I immediately fell in love with Sammie, her dimples, her sweet laugh, her sassiness, and not to mention her bond with her brother that is truly one of a kind. They taught me so much more than the internet ever could. That Down syndrome does not define a person, that it does not restrict them from their ABILITIES, that their love is endless, and that they are quite possibly the most special beings on this planet, and only the lucky ones are able to experience it first-hand. And that the baby that I was growing was more perfect than I could have ever dreamed of. We are now forever part of The Lucky Few.

When Sunnie was born, we quickly realized just how perfect she was and how bright, amazing and truly special our future would be with her in our lives. Our real-life good luck charm/mermaid, born “en caul” and not waiting for anyone! In her short 7 months she’s taught us more about the significance of life and to slow down and enjoy the little things.

Through Danielle’s own birth diagnosis (enter Sammie) she has created Rising Kites, an extremely valuable non-profit resource to us in the Down syndrome community.  Their mission is “to celebrate the gift of Down syndrome by bringing encouragement, resources, and support to those within the Down syndrome community”.  They provide bags to families receiving this diagnosis whether pre- or post-natal, as well as medical facilities to distribute immediately to parents receiving the diagnosis to provide education, encouragement, and resources for the amazing journey ahead.

Aside from Rising Kites and the support they provide to families new to the Down syndrome community, they have created Rising Kites Coffee, where they have created a space with an inclusive environment where all individuals are encouraged to see the gift that people with disabilities are to our world, as well as employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities – all with the goal of celebrating the GIFT of Down syndrome. And it doesn't stop there! Danielle also has a Rising Kites Flower Farm that employs individuals with disabilities that ships flowers and bulbs throughout the US to spread love and joy to people's gardens, all for an amazing cause, all started from the life of Sammie.

Without Danielle’s mission and the strength and encouragement her, Sammie, and Rising Kites have provided, my family along with thousands of others would struggle to find the light in what seems like such a tough diagnosis to navigate. And without the generosity of strangers and other families within the community, they wouldn’t have the funds to do what they do for so many, which is priceless yet so valuable at the same time.

My Family is asking for your help in supporting Rising Kites and their mission by raising $2,000 for the month of March to celebrate and bring awareness to Down syndrome.  Each donation will provide bags of resources and hope for families like mine trying to navigate this journey.  The Fleming family will match the highest contribution, up to $300! Your support for our family is invaluable to us, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things our Sunnie girl does and how she’ll change the world along the way.

With love and gratitude,

<3 The Flemings (Justin, Breana, Briggs & Sunnie)