How YOU can help spread awareness this month!

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone

As you know, October is Down syndrome Awareness Month. You also know that

there is very little information out there on mosaic Down syndrome!

We at IMDSA are working hard to get more information for you, but the only way

we can do that is through research.

I know that many of you are against direct research and say " My kid's not a

guinea pig! " I know this because I used to say the same thing every time a

doctor got close to my son. But, I still wanted more information on mosaic Down

syndrome and I was frustrated because there was no information!

Finally, I came to realize that the only way for me to get more information

about MDS for my son was to participate in research! And, I discovered that

research does not always mean taking blood or skin or giving my child drugs to

find out if the drugs work. A lot of times research can be as simple as a

questionaire. However, having blood and skin samples do help tremendously to

find out more on MDS, you have the option of what kind of research you want to

participate in.

Currently we are expanding our research options. And, we are doing it in a way

that helps us to educate students who one day will be professionals taking care

of your kids. Last year we had a goal to raise $2000 for research.

Lipscomb Sund (IMDSA's Research Officer) and Hellard (IMDSA's Fundraising

Chair & Conference Coordinator) exceeded that goal together and we now have a

Research Fund!

We are seeking out students now to provide these grants to and hopefully will

find the right match for us soon!

This year, we want to expand on that goal! Currently we already have Three

people raising money for research. They have been working hard over this past

month and are doing great!

Imagine if we could award a large grant to one of our larger researchers!

Imagine awarding a grant that would help your children in their speech and

language problems. Or maybe a grant that would help us understand why so many of

our kids have sensory issues. Another possibilty would be to expand on the

research of young adults and the computer programs. One of our researchers is

paving the road for a whole new perspective on what these adults can REALLY do

with their adult lives!

So, this is where you come in! Help us Raise for Research! You can make your

own personal page with your own personal widget that will help you raise money

and spread awareness along the way to help others understand more about MDS.

All you have to do is go to http://www.imdsa.org/Awareness/buddy.htm and

follow the instructions on how to make your personal page. Then, start spreading

awareness of MDS and ask others to help you by donating to Raise for Research.

The top fundraising team will receive a great package of our awareness items

to help you further spread awareness in your community.The fundraising will end

on October 31, so be sure to get your page set up quickly!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Good Luck!

Kristy Colvin

IMDSA President

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International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association

PH:

Toll Free: 1-888-MDS-LINK

http://www.imdsa.org

http://www.mosaicmoments.today.com