Faces & Families of Down syndrome

The DSAL Advocacy Group had their first get together on Friday, May 19, 2006. Those in attendance included Trampus Hoover, Michelle Annabelle, James Bethea, Trista Kutcher, Christian Royal, Elizabeth Bagwell, Chris Pilcher, and Zach Gravino. Sean Marshall visited with us and had a chance to meet some of the “big” guys.

Fun was had by all!! Everyone had a change to get to know each other through some great bocce, burgers and then hearing a little about each other.

Robin Smith encouraged the group with conversation regarding some of their hopes and dreams. Ms Tish Bell, a Speech Therapist at MUSC, joined us and plans to offer help in our efforts with the organization.

Our next meeting will be hosted by Chris Pilcher and Sam Hazeltine. We will meet at the James Island Yacht Club for some tennis and then our meeting. The date and guest for this meeting will be forthcoming so stay in touch with the website. If you want to participate but were unable to come to the May meeting, please send an email to Trampus Hoover or Martha Hoover or call 856-1532. We want to get your name on the list so that you know about upcoming events.

Do you know the LaPat family? Kaitlyn is 3 years old and she has Down syndrome. Going against the recommendations of doctors in Philadelphia to terminate the pregnancy, parents Rich and Sherri held true to their faith and they were blessed with a miracle baby, Kaitlyn Faith LaPat.

The LaPat family now lives in Goose Creek and Kaitlyn attends Westview Primary School. Her big sister Kasey, who is 10, is the ultimate role model for Kaitlyn. "We were blessed with two wonderful girls," says Sherri." Kasey is the best big sister and Kaitlyn amazes me with her never-ending and unconditional love."

Rich and Sherri have been members of the National Down Syndrome Society for two years and they are now members of DSAL. Even as relatively new members, they have gotten involved in DSAL by volunteering their time answering messages and managing the DSAL website. "We felt the need to get more involved to raise awareness for people affected by Down syndrome" says Rich. "The more people I meet with or associated with Down syndrome, the more I realize how lucky I am to have Kaitlyn in my life."

You can contact Rich or Sherri at lapatfamily@comcast.net.

Greetings, and welcome to DSAL!

Henry O'Grady arrived on August 5, 2002 at MUSC. We were anxious for his arrival, as we were told during our pregnancy of Henry's diagnosis of Trisomy 21 and of his congenital heart defect. Henry is taking us on a great journey as he shares his life with us.

Henry is 3-1/2 years old. He is learning to ride his tricycle. He loves going to the beach, the park, the aquarium, the beach, the zoo, the garden, the beach, the jump castle, school, daycare, the fair, the children's museum, the beach, the beach, and the beach. He loves playing ball. He loves throwing a ball out in front, running up to it, and kicking it two or three times in a row. He loves watching people play soccer, football, baseball, or basketball. He loves to jump! He loves to make messes! He loves hugs and kisses from Mommy and Daddy!

Henry can identify the letters of the alphabet, can sight read about 15/20 words, can identify numbers 1 through 10, and can count to 5. His favorite books are "The Wide-Mouth Frog" and "Jump, Frog, Jump." As Mommy reads "Jump, Frog, Jump," Henry reads the every other page of “Jump, Frog, Jump”, while Momma reads the wordier pages. He matches objects. He puts together puzzle pictures. He colors. He paints.

Oh, did I mention how much Henry loves going to the beach?!

Feel free to email us at baogrady@comcast.net