National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention

Hello Everyone:

I would have to start by saying 'Powerful'. I attended the NDSC annual convention in San Antonio last week. I was overcome with emotion as I entered the hotel lobby and everywhere I looked was a child, teen or adult with Down syndrome. I have never been surrounded by so many special faces in one place. And, I missed my family terribly! I knew it was a family-oriented event but because I was presenting one of the workshops, I had decided to travel alone...big regret! Next year the convention is in DC; which will make a long way to travel as a family.

I met many great people and heard so many touching stories while I was there. My colleague, Briana and I co-presented, "My Kid Has More Chromosomes Than Yours?": Positive parenting outcomes in raising a child with Down syndrome. We had about 70 people in the audience and they provided lots of positive feedback about our research. A few days after returning to work, we received an email from someone on the Scottish Council for Bioethics who wanted to cite our research stating that, 'although life with a special needs child is stressful, it is no less meaningful'. Our research definitely highlights that perspective from parents. We were amazed that this organization had found our research from outside the US. We are in the writing phase of our project and hope to get some articles out this fall and further develop the chapters of our book.

We ask for prayers of support and links to any possible publishing contacts you may have. Getting 'in' to a publisher is very difficult!! Briana and I will continue searching for the right publisher, but if we have to, we will self-publish. I told Briana...we are 'self-publish' kind of women any way ;-)

Hugs and love,
Nicole

P.S. If you want to support Down syndrome awareness, go to www.downsyndromefootprint.com

Their logo sports a footprint, but take notice of the gap between the big toe and second toe. That is one of the characteristics of Down syndrome. I like to call it the 'funky toe'.