Rising Kites

Down Syndrome was the last thing we expected when our baby boy was born last November. 

The early days were shrouded in so many "what ifs" but by God's grace our son is healthy and thriving. 

I am contacting you today to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and to ask for donations of any size for the Rising Kites Community- a wonderful, family-founded organization that sends lovely welcome baskets to families celebrating their arrival of a newborn who has Down Syndrome. 

These baskets are sent free of charge by request and are filled with goodies for the baby, consolidated information packets, and above all messages of hope, comrodary, and inspiration for parents and family members.  

When my son was born, a dear friend had a basket shipped to my house. Emerging out of my post partum bed in grief and tears to find this on my doorstep was a pivotal turning point in my life. Down Syndrome was not a death sentence! In fact, our lives were just made anew! I was suddenly part of this cool, exclusive club. 

Please join me in helping to welcome new members to the club! Your donation goes directly into building these awesome welcome baskets. 

Now to watch these children rise and soar!

Thank you and God Bless ,

Suzanne & Isaiah Maher & Family

Some interesting facts about Down Syndrome:

* Downs Syndrome is named for John Langdon Downs, a scientist and caretaker who first noted the condition in 1866. However, evidence of the condition dates back to dates back to antiquity.

* Downs Syndrome happens at conception or soon thereafter and results in an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

* There are 3 types of Down Syndrome: 

* In 95% of cases, this genetic condition happens randomly. In less than 5% of cases Downs Syndrome is inherited from one or both parents.

* Just like the general public, people with Down Syndrome vary greatly in their health and abilities. 

* Down Syndrome is not in of itself a disease. It is a syndrome which is a collection of symptoms and features. Some individuals lead very healthy lifestyles and are virtually unaffected by co-morbidities. Others, experience quite a few of the co-morbidities which include congenital heart defects,  hearing loss, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, joint hypermobility, and Alzheimer's to name a few. 

* People with Down Syndrome can live  well into their 70's ! 

* Can you  guess which country has the most people with Downs Syndrome per capita? The answer might surprise you...

If you said Ireland, you are correct! 

*This October, I wanted to highlight respect and courtesy. Please remember to treat people as individuals:

You should refer to someone by their name if you can but if you must, as an example, " the boy with Down Syndrome" NEVER " the Downs boy"  since this genetic condition certainly does not define who the person is rather, it describes their diagnosis. Imagine being called Diabetes man or GERD woman you're whole life.... 

Let's pass this page around and raise some money for a wonderful cause that directly benefits people with Downs Syndrome. Rising Kites also employs many people through their coffee and flower shops! Check out their website for more info.

www.risingkites.org