RDS Ambassador, Patty Watson, in the News

What a great story on Patty Watson, a strong supporter of placing persons with disabilities in the work force, and an RDS Ambassador, who has worked tirelessly to support Down syndrome cognitive research.

For more information on how you can assist the support of Down syndrome cognitive research as an RDS Ambassador, contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Light the Way Event Kicked Off March 21

New Jersey Governor First Lady Mary Pat Christie and First Spouses from seventeen additional states across the country recognized the Light the Way event on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21. See Press Release (PDF).
This program goals are to bring attention to the rapidly advancing area of Down syndrome cognitive research, which holds great promise for improving memory, learning and communication for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.  Participating states include: Washington, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Missouri, New Hampshire, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Georgia, Maine, Arkansas, Utah, North Dakota and Texas,

Many Down syndrome associations have made contact with their state governments to either participate in their state’s recognition, or encourage their state to join the Light the Way event.  This event provides a tremendous opportunity for a nationwide effort to educate the country and increase awareness and funding for Down

Artist Donates Paintings to Help Feed the Hungry

A heartwarming story for the holiday season.  Artist David Danis told his mother he wanted to help some struggling neighbors in his area.  David, whose work is displayed in doctors’s offices, restaurants and other public places, is donating ten paintings to his local newspaper in Dartmouth, MA for the paper’s Neediest Family Fund

Dubai International Rally Supports UAE Down Syndrome Association

When the 27 cars from 12 Middle East and overseas countries leave the ceremonial start in Downtown Dubai on Thursday evening for the 32nd Dubai International Rally, they will all be carrying branding promoting both the Dubai Autism Center and the UAE Down Syndrome Association (DSA).  Now, there is an interesting way to promote your Down syndrome organization. 

RDS spreads the word on promise of cognitive research at Buddy Walks

The weekend of October 23rd and 24th featured two very successful Buddy Walks.  Research Down Syndrome was invited to attend and delighted to help spread the word on the successes and promise of cognitive research.  The Alexander’s Angels 4th Annual Buddy Walk was held on a beautiful day at Hecksher State Park on Long Island with approximately 2000 individuals, family members, friends and advocates attending.  The very large parking lot was almost full!  A variety of children’s events, costumed characters and great music, including the Chris Burke Band entertained the enthusiastic crowd.  Following the Buddy Walk and lunch, the participants continued to enjoy themselves through the afternoon.  Well done, Esther Gomes-Nieto(President of Alexander’s Angels), the Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation, the Association for Children with Down Syndrome, the volunteers, the National Down Syndrome Society and the entire Alexander’s Angels team.
RDS also enjoyed participating in the

Kathy Ireland speaks out on shortfall of Down syndrome research

Kathy Ireland has a three month old niece, Polly, who was born with Down syndrome.  Recently, she met with leaders in Washington, D.C., to speak out against the shortfall in NIH funding of Down syndrome research.  In this article, she notes that funding is now reduced to a level of less than 0.01% of the NIH budget.  In her comments, Ireland acknowledged the strong support of a bipartisan congressional caucus which is advocating an end to this shortfall in research, but, she noted there is one important voice missing, “Yours”.  RDS agrees, and encourages everyone to support increased public and private funding of

Congratulations on your wedding, Monica and David

Monica and David met, fell in love, and were married.  Now, like any other couple, they are adjusting to married life and are busy establishing careers. Congratulations, Monica and David, on your new life together.   

Research Down Syndrome is dedicated in its support of Down syndrome cognitive research, and the potentials for enhancing life opportunities for all persons with Down syndrome, leading to increased educational and employment opportunities—and perhaps, independent living. RDS believes in a future where couples such as Monica and David can establish truly independent lives

Texas “Chain Saw Manicure”

The Down Home Ranch outside of Austin is a working farm and ranch, where about 40 adults and children - including 20 with Down syndrome and other disabilities - live year round, caring for 340 rolling, forested acres of the Post Oak Savannah in Central Texas.  At the ranch, people with and without disabilities live and work together - tending the animals, raising food, and celebrating life together. 

An underbrush fire on a neighboring ranch prompted the founder of the Ranch, Jerry Horton, to gather supporters and stage a “Chain Saw Manicure”, to clear the space of brush and increase safety on the property.  The volunteer “manicurists” and ranch residents enjoyed a day of work, and, we’re sure, a lot of fun as

New Jersey First Lady Hosts Event Supporting Research Down Syndrome

On Saturday evening, September 25, New Jersey First Lady, Mary Pat Christie, hosted a reception and dinner at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s mansion, in support of Research Down Syndrome(RDS) and the Foundation’s mission of increasing life opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.
Encouraging support of Down syndrome cognitive research, Mrs. Christie recognized the work of RDS in its support of research directed towards the development of treatments to address the cognitive difficulties associated with Down Syndrome.
“Today, the occurence of Down syndrome remains a serious health concern, appearing in about 1 in 700 births,” said Mrs. Christie.  “As parents, we always want the best for our children, and the important work of RDS is helping families address the unique challenges of having a family member with Down syndrome.”
Mrs. Christie was presented with an award by RDS for her commitment to the cause of Down syndrome cognitive research.
At the event, Roger Reeves, Ph.D.,

Kennedy Krieger awarded $8.5 million to study aging and dementia in adults with Down syndrome

The NIH recently announced it has awarded the Kennedy Krieger Institute an $8.5 million grant to address crucial gaps in knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome.  This will allow the Baltimore based institute to undertake a variety of projects to extend the understanding of the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease within the older population with Down syndrome to its earliest stage of clinical impact. Hopefully, the findings can have direct implications for promoting more successful aging for adults with DS.  Learn more about this research project here.

Research Down Syndrome looks forward to the findings which result from this work.  Increased private funding of Down syndrome cognitive research through your support of Research Down Syndrome encourages increased NIH funding for such