
DSDN Day: May 1
A Celebration of Connection, Community, and Support
What is DSDN Day?
DSDN Day is an annual event that brings our community together to celebrate the power of connection, the strength of our network, and the impact of supporting families from the very beginning of a Down syndrome diagnosis.
This year’s theme is Connection. Connection between parents who understand this journey. Connection to trusted information and resources. Connection to a community that shows up for one another from the very beginning.
For many parents, a Down syndrome diagnosis can feel isolating at first. But connection changes everything.
DSDN exists to create these connections from the very beginning. On DSDN Day, we celebrate the parents, families, and community members who make those connections possible.
Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to May 1st.
What's planned for DSDN Day?
FOR DSDN MEMBERS (Rockin' Moms and Dads):
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Virtual Zoom Conversations: Join live, moderated discussions with fellow parents who understand your journey. Share stories, ask questions, and offer support to others.
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Exclusive DSDN Day Challenges in the App: Participate in fun and engaging challenges designed to help you connect with the community, share experiences, and celebrate DSDN Day with a little friendly competition!
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Parent-Focused Webinar Series: Hear from trusted experts on real-life topics on raising a child with Down syndrome. These sessions offer practical insights, encouragement, and helpful resources you can take into everyday life.
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From Diagnosis Forward Podcast: Our brand new podcast launches on DSDN Day, bringing together the voices of parents raising children with Down syndrome to address the concerns and answer the questions many families have after diagnosis. Through a story-driven montage of real experiences, each episode explores a moment in the journey and offers encouragement and perspective for expectant and new parents.
FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY:
This DSDN Day, we’re celebrating the connections that support parents raising children with Down syndrome. Join our $5 Connection Challenge to help fund the next evolution of the DSDN App, adding tools for private and small group conversations between parents who understand the journey.
Coming Soon! Our DSDN Day Sponsor Showcase highlights the organizations that help strengthen connection within the Down syndrome community. Their support helps ensure that families receiving a diagnosis can find information, encouragement, and a welcoming community.
2025 DSDN Day Live Replay
Segment 1: Rockin' Parent Spotlight with Jillian Benfield
Segment 2: How We Started with Heather Bradley and Jen Jacob
Segment 3: Online Support & the DSDN App with Dan Szostek, Navara Cannon, & Shannon Prausa
Segment 4: Medical Outreach with Hannah Pascucci & Jenny Di Benedetto
Segment 5: DSDN Board of Directors with Dr. Cassandra Drake and Tony Towicki
Segment 6: Rockin' Parent Spotlight with Etsuko James
Segment 7: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility with Brandy Coleman & Sarah Mesa-Haas
Segment 8: Local Partnerships with Lauren Young
Segment 9: Rockin' Parent Spotlight with Katie Burwell
Segment 10: DSDN Rockin' Retreats with Amanda Brunning & Jordan Heberlein
Segment 11: Rockin' Family Fund with Becky Bausman
Segment 12: Rockin' Parent Spotlight with Tony Nowicki
Segment 13: Wrap Up and Celebration with Melissa Shutwell, Patricia Nesbitt, & Jen Jacob
