Tag Archives: Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association

Buddy Walks at School

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Two of the parents in our parent group came up with a great idea!  Both of these ladies have a daughter with Down syndrome in the same elementary school, so they organized a Buddy Walk at school!  The kids from both classes were given shirts from previous Buddy Walks and walked a mile to show their support for their classmates with Down syndrome! And they had a great time doing it!

The news was there to highlight these mom as “Heros”.  I hope that more moms, dads, or teachers will take this idea and run with it like these two moms who are making a difference in their communities!  The video can be seen at

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Local-moms-organize-awareness-walk-for-down-syndrome-105678213.html

A Glimpse of Summer Fun

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Hey Ya’ll,

I am sorry I have neglected Becky’s Next Page… summer activities are keeping us hopping even if the weather is keeping us bundled up!  The nights are long, and the days are full!  Along with our summer social activities, and a few speeches thrown in, Becky keeps me busy, and I keep her busy!

Becky loved the horses

Becky and I made a trip to Texas in April and landed in the middle of my aunt and uncle’s cattle round up.  What a great time we had learning all the ins and outs of bringing in the cattle, and then “cutting” them.  It was like a mini rodeo that we enjoyed very much.  Becky loves the horses.

While we were there, Becky made lots of new friends and made herself an instant celebrity!  My family there is my “birth” family that I have known for 20 years, but we have not spent much time with.  Becky is the only one of my kids who has made herself right at home with this second family, the rest of them are not sure what to do with them.

iDream Art Class

iDream class certificate

In June, we started our first session of iDream classes at College of Western Idaho.  As you can see from my last post, it was a great success!  Becky had an art class and a sign language class which she thoroughly enjoyed!  On the last day, they gave out certificates and boy was she proud!

Well, it is July already and this month is full of Down Syndrome events…

Today is TVDSA’s annual picnic and the first talent show hosted by Becky’s group of adults.  This is her idea and she is sooo excited!  Pictures to come…

On July 16, almost a week away, we fly to Florida to the National DS Conference, and then on to the Buddy Cruise.  I am not sure that we will be able to concentrate at the conference with the cruise coming up right afterwards!  The day before we leave, I told my girls that we would go get manicures and pedicures for the big trip!  We will keep you up to date on that too!

August will bring a trip to Washington to see Becky’s brother graduate from LDAC Army training, and then another trip to Texas for business. Oh brother…

Of course, school will be starting, hopefully more iDream classes, and then comes the Buddy Walk in October!

Seriously, how do Moms do it?  This year, I admit, I have some help from some great nutritional supplements that keep me going through the day with plenty of energy.  www.joycepage.isagenix.com

Will try to give you some glimpses at Becky through the summer..

An Exciting Day!

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World Down Syndrome Day Boise, Idaho

Thank you to all those who attended the World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and Ribbon Cutting for the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association on Sunday March 21 in Boise, ID!  We had over 100 people in attendance!  We had pictures of the cutest babies in the world on display!!  We had talented piano players! We had proud parents and proud individuals who were more than happy to tell their stories!  And to top it off, another impressive speech by Rebecca Page!

Down Syndrome International (DSI) has officially earmarked 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).  The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down Syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome.  Commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day started on March 21, 2006, and has grown globally.

The Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association is an all volunteer organization which has grown significantly in the last few years.  TVDSA recently opened a new office which was generously donated by Troy McClain of Troy McClain Companies.    Last year’s World Special Olympics has had a great influence on community support for our group.  Our annual Buddy Walk was bigger than ever this year, and our membership has made huge gains.  As our number of volunteers increase, we have been able to increase our services to our members.  It is an exciting time for the group!  Visit us online at www.idahodownsyndrome.

The Relationship Page

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Dancing to YMCA

Dancing to YMCA

I think I am now recovered from the Idaho State Special Olympics games last weekend in Cascade.  Becky and I took a day off yesterday, finished laundry, cleaned the house, and vegged.  Felt good.  The Winter State games are always something we look forward to because they are such a blast.  I am not sure what the athletes look forward to most, the races, or the social gathering and the dance.

This year, Becky came home with two silver medals and a date to a prom!  I think she had a good time…

Racing in the intermediate catagory was new to her this time and the snow was a little different than she is used to at Bogus.

Silver Medals in Downhill and Slalom

Silver Medals in Downhill and Slalom

She missed a gate on one run, and took a good fall on another, but she was happy with it.  She really was bombing the run when she fell, and she was proud that not only did she race fast, but she got up fast as well.  The Special Olympics organizers group skiers of same ability into heats, so that there is a little competition, but not much -  everyone is a winner!

Renewing old aquaintances, as well as making new friends is part of the fun of Special Olympics.  At the dance, we met up with a family that we have been aquainted with, who has three kids with Down syndrome, but we had only met two before.  The third one, Michael who is Becky’s age,  came with a special request for Becky – an invitation to his prom.  It was funny to watch his older brother tease him by trying to dance with her first.  Becky, being homeschooled, went to a Jr/Sr Banquet, but has never even been to a high school dance.  Our family has attended many formal dances together, so she loves to dance, but this will be a new experience for her.

His mother and I, had a blast watching them…  after he asked her, he turned to us (not 3 ft away), and said “She said YES!”  If only I would have had my camera ready for that smile!  It was priceless.

Becky and Michael saying goodbye until the prom...

Becky and Michael saying goodbye until the prom...

Michael is outwardly more excited and very cute, but Becky is cool.  She already admonished him for putting his arm around her and is telling everyone that they are just friends.  She did make a point to look good for breakfast the last day in hopes of seeing Michael.  Of course, he was watching for her and found her as soon as she walked in the door.  The day that we got home, she wrote him a letter (he lives an hour away),  and yesterday, insisted that we could go dress shopping for her prom.  Despite the fact that she wrote it on the calendar, she continues to ask me when it is.

World Down Syndrome Awareness day is this Sunday and she is supposed to be speaking and playing piano.  She is usually not nervous at all for these events, but Michael and family should be there….  we will see how cool she is.

As with every developmental step that our kids make, this step is exciting.  Since last year at the National Down syndrome Conference, when she saw all her peers with Down syndrome dating, she has been advocating for relationships.  We have talked alot about waiting for a nice guy, and taking it slow.  Well, Becky, this is your next page… welcome to the world of relationships!

A Buddy with Down syndrome

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Becky teaching a group of girls about Down syndrome

Becky teaching a group of girls about Down syndrome

  Recently, I signed up for Yahoo! Answers and began looking at questions about Down syndrome.  I am absolutely amazed at the ignorance of people about Down syndrome!  I guess I would have to say that 20 years ago, I was probably just as ignorant, but I would think that there would be more awareness now.  Apparently not.

  The most prominent attitude I have found is one of fear based in ignorance.  Many expectant mothers fearing a baby with Down syndrome.  Do they fear Cerebral Palsy, and deafness?  Do they fear their child growing up and being rebellious?  I can think of many other things to worry about than “will my baby have Down syndrome??”  Sometimes, their fear comes from some distant relative that had Down syndrome years ago.   Their perception of Down syndrome is not up to date, and their knowledge of the cause or lack there of is non-existent.  Didn’t we do this in Biology?  Unfortunately, because they are ignorant of the facts, their fears run wild.

  The most alarming questions are the ones from parents who have been pre-natally given a “soft” diagnosis of Down syndrome.  They want advise about abortion – should I keep this baby??  The answers would also surprise you – opinions based in opinion, no facts.  I know that the abortion rate among these women with this diagnosis is 90% and I can see why.  If this group of people is any example of the general public, we are in trouble.

  So, what does this tell us??  We need to educate our communities about Down syndrome!  They need to see our kids in action!  The best way to do this is to join a Down syndrome support group, or start one if there is not one in your area.  Get together with other parents and find some ways to get the word out.  

  I am so grateful to the founders and volunteers of our parent support group here in the Treasure Valley. (http://www.idahodownsyndrome.org )  It has been serving the Down syndrome community for almost 30 years!  7 years ago, our group began to participate in the Buddy Walk which is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society. (http://www.ndss.org/ )  This has raised awareness substantially in our community.  Due to the growth and awareness we have experienced through the Buddy Walk, we are growing and working towards other ways to educate our community.

  Those of us who know and love the people with Down syndrome need to stand up and speak out.  To know them is to love them is the general consensus.  I feel sorry for those who will never experience a buddy with Down syndrome.

TVDSA is Up about Down!

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Our support group, Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association is growing up!  We have several new board members including myself and Becky, which adds to the excitement.  Our Buddy Walk did so well this year that it is forcing us to get organized and get busy. 

  On the agenda to change, are our meeting purpose, adding an adult group, and increasing our community outreach.  Last night, we met for the first time in our new office building, generously provided to us by Troy McClain of the McClain Companies.  It was exciting to be in “The Board Room” brainstorming for the future of TVDSA.  We now have an actual office in which to keep our stuff, to meet with volunteers or supporters and to get our work done.  Thank you Troy!

  We are refocusing our meetings back to being a support group that meets the needs of all ages of Down syndrome.  We hope to bring back some of the older folks who have not attended since they were children, and thier parents.  Networking between the “experienced” parents and the “inexperienced” parents is one of our goals.  The experienced parents have so much to offer our group.  Networking among same age groups is another goal.  Sharing our ups and downs is what this group was meant to be.  We will still offer speakers on various topics, but hopefully, we can make our focus supporting our members, and not just providing the speakers.

  Our kickoff for the Adult group is tonight at a Christmas Party.  Becky is fired up to be speaking to the group about what we have in store.  We will have food, karaoke and dancing – 3 of the most favorite things for adults with Down syndrome.  Our first regular meeting of the adults will be January 12, 2010 where we hope to develop some self-advocate leaders who will take the lead in the group.  It should be a great time!

 Reaching the community with the message that people with Down syndrome are more alike than different is one of our biggest goals.  The Buddy Walk has been a complete success and has started to make the community aware of our group.  Now, we hope to develop speakers - self-advocates with Down syndrome, and other Down syndrome advocates, to bring the message to schools, organizations, or anyone who will listen.  Wirestone Marketing Solutions Company has recently donated thier time to help us develop a beautiful new parent packet that we intend to distribute to all babies born with Down syndrome in the Treasure Valley.   Reconnecting with all the hospitals, and the medical community is one of our biggest projects and maybe the most vital.  With the abortion rate of babies pre-natally diagnoised with Down syndrome at 92%, we must get the word out that this group of people are a wonderful asset to our community.   

  There is alot of work to be done.  Thanks to the board of TVDSA and thier commitment, I think we can do it.  If you are “up about Down” and would like to be a part of this growing group, go to www.idahodownsyndrome.org and let us know.

Becky’s report about the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference 2009

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A Night of Inspiration at the TVDSA Meeting

A Night of Inspiration at the TVDSA Meeting

Video on You Tube:  A Night of Inspiration, Becky Page

Rebecca is on the board of the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association and spoke at thier last meeting about her trip to Sacramento for the NDSC Conference.

“It touched my heart…”

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Three times in one night! “It touched my heart…” said Becky. 

  We ate dinner in Becky’s Apt and rehearsed for our speeches which are coming up tomorrow night at the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Meeting.  Abby (my 16 year old daughter) and I did not know what kind of evening was in store for us… we saw an emotional side of Becky. 

  Cooking  “sliders” (small hamburgers) in her kitchen for us, Becky was the ultimate host.  We made a trip to Goodwill today and bought “new” kitchen stuff, so she could be better equipped in the kitchen.  After putting everything in its proper place, and cooking the burgers on her “slider cooker”, she served us our food and a drink from her little refridge.  It felt a little like playing house, but to her it is the real thing and she is so proud of herself!  You see, we have just recently given her one whole side of our house as her apartment.  We’ve had a hard time getting her to use her little kitchen and living room until today.  Its a wonder what a little more kitchen stuff and more food back there will do.  We even found a little coffee pot and bought some coffee.  We set it up tonight so its ready tomorrow morning.  We’ll see if she remembers or comes out looking for our coffee.  Independence can be lonely in your own kitchen.

  After dinner, we each took turns rehearsing our speeches.  She has been working on hers for a couple of months, but she had not heard mine or Abby’s speech.  As Abby talked about her experience at the National Down Syndrome Conference, Becky actually got emotional (rare for her).  Abby was passionate about what she had learned, especially when she spoke about her sister.  At the conference, the siblings were questioned about having a brother or sister with DS.  Abby reported that all the siblings answered the same – thier lives were greatly enhanced by growing up with a sibling with DS.   As Abby spoke, “It touched my heart” kept coming out of Becky.  How sweet!  I asked her what touched her and all she could say was that “Abby was talking about me”.  Yes Becky, she loves you very much.  My speech rehearsal was not as passionate as Abby, but Becky had the same response “It touched my heart”.  Last, but not least, Becky rehearsed her speech and ended it by saying “Wow, the conference touched my heart”. 

  If you live in the Boise area, and you want to be inspired, join us tomorrow night at New Leaf Inc. at 7:00 for the TVDSA meeting “A Night of Inspiration”! It is sure to touch your heart!

Becky’s Buddy Walk Speech

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Becky speaking about being "More Alike than Different"

Becky speaking about being "More Alike than Different"

Hello, my name is Rebecca Page,  Thank you all for coming to the Buddy Walk.  I would like to talk to you today about being more Alike than Different…

I  grew  up  as  a  Page  kid  and  I am JUST LIKE the other  4  Page  kids .   I  was  home  schooled   JUST LIKE  my  brothers  and  sisters ,  so  I  can  read  and  write  and do  math .

 I   rode  horses  in 4-h  JUST LIKE  my  sister.

 I   played   piano   JUST LIKE  my  brother and  sister  for  6  years . Music.  touches  people . I  earned  a  excellent  rating  in  the  Nampa  Music  Festival. 

 I  had   nice  tea  parties  and  I learned  ball  room  dancing   JUST LIKE  my  family.

Successfully,  I  did   karate  JUST LIKE  my  family and  I   got  a   green  belt.

I  did  the  home  school  ski  program  JUST LIKE  my  family.  Then  last  year,  I was   in  the  Olympics and I won 2nd place in downhill skiing.

 I  did Awana’s   JUST LIKE  my  sister.   I am  working  on  the     congressional  medal   JUST LIKE  my  brother  and  sister.

I  got  stuck in  chores ☺JUST LIKE  my  brothers and  sisters   Now  I  am  a   am   adult  person .  What  do  other  Pages  do  ?  They  moved  out  or  go  to  college.   I  want  to   move  out  and  go  at  college. JUST LIKE  my  brothers and  sisters.

My  dreams: are JUST LIKE my brothers and sisters!       EVERYBODY HAS DREAMS!

My biggest   dream  is  going  to  college . This  semester I am  taking  computer basics  and  Spanish  through  community ED    but  next  semester  I  will  take REAL  college  classes  at  college of  western  Idaho !   Another dream is that   I  want  special  friend  to  date.   I  got  a    apartment  of  my  own  at my  parents  house  and  I  am  looking  for  a  room  mate . I  got  a  work study  job  in  high  school   and now I want to be  a self-advocate leader.  I  am  excited  for  being  a   self  advocate  speaker  like  my  friend  Eleanor. I am  excited to  serve on  the board  for  the  Treasure  Valley  Down syndrome association . I’M  also  excited  about  self  direction  program because it  helps me follow my dreams .

Remember  Down  syndrome  is  more  alike  than  different ! 

We  are JUST LIKE the  people  in   America .  Thank you and God Bless you all!