Dashing for a Cause

Three years ago, while still reeling from a surprise Down syndrome diagnosis, we made the last minute decision to attend a Down syndrome fundraising walk in Pittsburgh. We weren't sure what to expect and we weren't entirely sure we were even ready to be there. We are so thankful we took the chance. The entire experience turned out to be life changing!

At just a few weeks old, Liam was the youngest person who had Down syndrome at the Dash. We were immediately welcomed into the local Ds community with open arms. A woman who I am now friends with ran over before we even reached the registration table to greet us. That was only the start! The entire event was unbelievably positive and watching all the older kids who had Down syndrome filled my heart with so much hope for Liam's future. As we drove away from our very first Dash for Down syndrome, Grant and I turned to look at each other and we both had tears in our eyes.

Since that day, the Dash for Down Syndrome has become an event that we look forward to each year! It is the biggest fundraising event for the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh and the money that's raised helps fund programs such as the Down Syndrome Clinic that oversees Liam's healthcare and development. It is very important for our local Ds community and the Dash brings us all together every year!

 

On Saturday, we attended our fourth Dash for Down Syndrome!

We were blessed with amazing weather the previous 3 years but we didn't get as lucky this year. It was 50 degrees, rainy and blustery! After weeks of Summer-like weather that had just gone away the day before, we were FREEZING!  Our SuperLiam logo shirts were covered up with coats and Liam couldn't even wear his. It was so cold!

We eventually headed indoors until the walk began. The girls got their faces painted while the boys played video games, and Liam ended up finding a new friend!

Finally it was time for the 2016 Dash for Down Syndrome to begin!

The walk begins at Highmark Stadium, which overlooks downtown Pittsburgh, and goes through Station Square before returning to the stadium. The fountain in station square is always a hit!

As soon as we got back everyone started to leave. It was just too cold! Even Liam, who is always so happy, wasn't thrilled with the weather.

 

The kids ran off some energy while we tried to get our group together for our team photo! With 10+ kids it's kind of like herding cats!

Finally everyone was rounded up and we were able to take the official SuperLiam League 2016 team photo!

I am so grateful for our amazing "framily" who gathers to support Liam every year. You know you have good friends when they make your family a priority in really crappy weather! We are so blessed!

True to my word, there's never a dull moment. As we were heading toward the gates, the sky opened up and it started to pour. Liam ended up tripping and even though he braced himself with his arms, his face still hit the concrete. As I scooped him up, I prayed that there wouldn't be much damage. Thankfully his teeth were safe and there was only a little bit of blood. He only cried for 30 seconds then was back to his happy self.  The end result was a cut on his nose and the corner of his eye, a bruise and a big scrape!

He may look a bit battered, but it didn't hurt his mood one bit! We adore our Super Liam!

Despite the weather, the Dash for Down Syndrome was a success! We're looking forward to next year and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate!

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Dashing for Down Syndrome

Three years ago, we were a new family embarking on a Down syndrome journey.

At the time, I had no idea where this path would lead.  I still felt slightly shell-shocked, and hadn't met anyone in the Down syndrome community in person.

We were encouraged to attend the Dash for Down Syndrome, which benefited the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh. We were hesitant about going, but at the very last minute, we decided to give it a shot.  I am SO glad we stepped out of our comfort zone and attended.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by other parents who were on a similar journey.  Before we even made it up to the tent to register, a woman walked up to us, introduced herself, gave us a hug, and pointed out her own son.  We met so many people that day and my husband and I found ourselves holding back tears on several different occasions.

The Down syndrome community is simply amazing. When we're all together as a group, there's an overwhelming feeling of happiness, love, acceptance, and positivity. I've never experienced anything else like it!

Although we've attended many playdates and events with our local Down syndrome community, the Dash for Down Syndrome is the biggest event of the year.  We attend every year, and each year, our team grows!

On Saturday, we headed into Pittsburgh to attend the Dash for Down Syndrome at the Highmark Stadium. It was our third year, and we were so thankful Grant's mom, two of my dad's cousins, and our "framily" could join us! The SuperLiam League is awesome!

We had an afternoon full of family, friends, fun, and celebrating our loved ones with Down syndrome!

Liam spotted himself on the big screen...

...and didn't hesitate to stop, drop, and #downwarddude!

The Dash for Down Syndrome is a great family event.  There are bounce houses, games, train rides, balloon artists, and snacks. The mascots for the Pirates and the Steelers are always there. The kids always have so much fun!

Finally, it was time for the walk!  This year's walk was my favorite so far.  We walked along the river, into station square, around the fountain, and back along the river.  The view of the city was every bit as beautiful as it was in the stadium.

I always get so choked up while we walk.  There's a line of people as far as you can see in front of you and as far as you can see behind you.  It's a very powerful and moving experience to be part of a group of people who all come together for one cause.

Just for the record, even superheroes need to take breaks sometimes.

When we returned to the stadium, our friends and family members began to leave.  Liam woke up and explored the nearly empty field.

Don't worry, Pittsburgh.  Liam has your back!

The Dash for Down Syndrome is the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh's biggest fundraising event of the year.  This year, we all raised over $90,000.  That money directly benefits Liam and his peers by funding local programs that help them! If you would like to donate to this great cause, you can still do so HERE.

A huge thank you to The SuperLiam League for all the love, support, and donations. We love you all!

It was another great year at the Dash for Down Syndrome!  It has quickly become one of our favorite events of the year!!!

If you are new to the Down syndrome community, I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, and attend an event.  I promise you won't regret it.  Community and support is one of the most important aspects on this journey!

Do you personally know someone who has Down syndrome? 

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Dash for Down Syndrome 2014

On September 27th, we headed into Pittsburgh for the Dash for Down Syndrome!



This was our second year attending the Dash.  We attended last year's Dash when Liam was just 1 1/2 months old.  It was a last minute decision, but I'm so glad we went. It was our first real experience with the Down Syndrome Community.  These families are amazing!

This year, the Dash was held at a different location.  It was a hot, sunny day, and so many people showed up.  It really is a wonderful community!

Liam just wasn't his usual self that day.  I couldn't figure out why he wasn't smiling much and was acting so sleepy. A few days later, I found out why.  He was cutting his upper molars!




I'm going to admit, my heart wasn't in it this year.  I refuse to let that happen next year!  I need to learn how to let go of disappointment and focus on those around me. 



Liam was completely enthralled with the soccer field.  He refused to look at anyone!






He even refused to look at the Pirates Parrot!




When I picked him up, I couldn't figure out why he was covered in black dots.  Turns out the field was covered in shredded tire for better cushioning!



While we waited for the walk to start, I took the girls to meet the Pirates Parrot and we stood in a LONG line (technical difficulties) for a bounce house. 





Finally, we lined up on the hot field and got ready to walk!







We walked for our sweet Liam. 



We also walked for my dad's cousin's son, Joey, who passed away way too young.  He, too, had Down Syndrome.

After the walk, we went inside for a snack.  We didn't expect it to be so hot, and Liam needed to get out of the sun.  He was chowing down on his sock, so we swapped it for his very first Smiley Cookie (it's a Pittsburgh thing)!










We are so thankful for our family and friends who joined us to support Liam and the Down Syndrome community!















Until next year, Dash!





There's no doubt about it:  We love this kid SO much!