Beneficiary
Down Syndrome Association North Bay
A Letter from Clay and Carrie Mauritson
Our oldest son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome in September, 2010 at the age of 2 ½. The diagnosis was emotionally devastating for our family. At the time, it felt as if every parent’s worst fears had come true. Little did we know what an incredible blessing this diagnosis would be and how it would profoundly change our lives.
That being said, I don’t know how we would have made it through those first couple of months without the tremendous support of the Down Syndrome Association, North Bay (DSANB). They provided desperately needed educational resources, medical recommendations, and emotional support.
Unfortunately, our story is not unique; the DSANB provides these resources to countless families in and around Sonoma County. Their mission is simple: To promote advocacy, raise awareness, further educational pursuits, and support research for people with Down Syndrome and their families.
While the group is derived of some of the most caring, passionate, and dedicated people I have ever met, they can only do so much with limited funds and the problem is getting worse: what little Federal and State funding that has been available is in jeopardy due to the current fiscal climate and economic crisis.
My wife and I are committed to raising awareness and advocating for all people with disabilities, especially those with Down Syndrome. Please join us for this fantastic Zinfandel event and help us raise money for an amazing cause. We hope to see you there.
—Clay and Carrie Mauritson
About Down Syndrome Association North Bay
About Down Syndrome Association North Bay
Down Syndrome Association North Bay's mission is to promote self-advocacy, raise awareness, support inclusion and enrich the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.
Our programs and services include: information for new and expecting parents, English and Spanish packets, literature and programs, hospital greetings with Hope Baskets, Mom's and Dad's night out, dances and outings, parent-to-parent connection, education seminars, mentoring programs and Family Camp.
We are all volunteers, board and committee members alike, working to serve and encourage the unlimited potential in children and adults with Down Syndrome.
Project Zin will help us meet our strategic goal of raising $1,000,000 for therapies that benefit individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.
For more information on the Down Syndrome Association North Bay, please click here.
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What is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. In most people with Down Syndrome, there is an extra copy of Chromosome 21 (also called trisomy 21 because there are three copies of this chromosome instead of two), which changes the body and brain’s normal development.
Down Syndrome is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know is that very little separates individuals with Down Syndrome from those without it.
For more information on Down Syndrome, please visit The National Association for Down Syndrome.
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