Beneficiary
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
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, we 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. They provided desperately needed educational resources, medical recommendations, and emotional support.
Unfortunately, our story is not unique; there are countless families in and around Sonoma County that need support and resources.
Recently, the Down Syndrome Association North Bay merged with an incredible non-profit, the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA). Similar to the DSANB, DSCBA’s mission is to empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community that serves them while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.
By joining forces with DSCBA we will be able to provide even more services to our families and individuals with Down Syndrome. The DSCBA just celebrated their 25th anniversary. They bring invaluable infrastructure and extended outreach, which means we are able to do more and offer more programs and support to the Down Syndrome Community.
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
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.
About Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
About Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
DSCBA’s mission is to empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community that serves them while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.
DSCBA develops services that are in line with members’ needs and strives to continuously break down barriers to success by providing resources, technology, and education through their direct services. Their Down Syndrome Education Alliance, Expression Connection and Communication Readiness Programs, as well as Peer Development Classes, Medical Outreach Alliance, public policy outreach, education advocacy, new parent outreach, support groups, and more, reflect the diverse needs of their members.
Their programs and services include information and programs for new and expecting parents, the THRIVE Program, Connection Groups, Music Therapy, Speech Services as well as Communication Readiness Programs.
