Search Results

Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to step away and recharge — just for YOU. ☀️ Mornings: Wake up in a cozy room — solo or with friends — with no alarms, no kids’ feet digging into your back, no early wake-ups (unless you want to catch the sunrise or join a wellness activity). Grab your coffee, enjoy a real breakfast you didn’t have to make, and ease into your day.   🎤 Inspiration, Insights & Connection: Our sessions are built to encourage and uplift — with incredible speakers and small group connection time — plus helpful insights from the GLOBAL Medical Care and Research Roundtable, where you’ll hear updates and practical tips from leading Down syndrome experts. 🍽️ Meals You Don’t Have to Prep or Clean Up: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great food, great conversation, and zero dishes. 🏆 The Amazing Race: We think this will be a weekend highlight! Team up for a fun (and slightly competitive) adventure through the Gardens. Zoom around (safely!) on golf carts, tackle silly challenges, and make some of the best memories of your weekend — with plenty of photos to prove it. 💆‍♀️ Relax on Your Terms: Spa time? Poolside lounging? White sand beach? Butterfly gardens? Quiet reading? A guilt-free nap? You choose. 🛍️ Exhibit Hall & Prizes: Shop, explore, and connect with organizations and small businesses supporting the Down syndrome and disability communities — and don’t miss your chance to win amazing prizes in our annual auction and raffle! 🍷 Evenings: Live music, optional activities, toes in the sand and a drink in your hand … or early bedtime in your plush resort room. You get to do you. 🛌 End the Day: Climb into bed each night feeling connected, supported, and reminded you are not alone in this journey. 💛 It’s connection. It’s rest. It’s fun. It’s a weekend just for you — because you deserve this.   📸 Swipe through these photos from past retreats — THIS is the Rockin’ Mom Retreat. Spots are still open but filling FAST — take the break you deserve. Link to full schedule and register here: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/mom-retreat-registration

Denver, Stillwater, Minn. – June 3, 2025 - Today, Global Down Syndrome Foundation  (GLOBAL) and Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)  is proud to announce a multi-year collaboration agreement to educate  moms of children with Down syndrome – particularly those in the early years – about important medical care resources and research opportunities.  The agreement   builds on GLOBAL and DSDN’s past five year collaboration and ensures hundreds of DSDN Rockin’ Mom® Retreat  attendees can continue to participate in the GLOBAL Research & Medical Care Roundtable  (GLOBAL Roundtable) as a free benefit.   It also provides new collaboration and support for DSDN’s core parent resources, including peer-to-peer support groups and online communities hosted in the DSDN App, where families connect by birth year, co-occurring conditions, and shared identities. The GLOBAL Roundtable has educated over 900 moms of infants and young children on cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, clinical trials, medical best practices and more. Surveys associated with the GLOBAL Roundtable consistently average 4.8 out of 5, highlighting its impact. Anyone who has registered for the DSDN Rockin’ Mom® Retreat can register for the GLOBAL Roundtable for free. This year’s DSDN Rockin’ Mom® Retreat will be held in Pine Mountain, Georgia from September 19-20. The GLOBAL Roundtable includes welcome remarks from DSDN Executive Director, Melissa Shutwell , GLOBAL President & CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten , and GLOBAL Vice President for Research and Medical Care, Bryn Gelaro . Below is the 2025 GLOBAL Roundtable panel of renowned Down syndrome experts: Joaquín Espinosa, PhD, Executive Director, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (Crnic Institute) –  Dr.   Espinosa will discuss the latest research topics (including the first pediatric immune system dysregulation Jak Inhibitor clinical trial) from the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, Director, Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado – Dr. Baumer will provide an overview of neurodevelopmental conditions (including Autism, ADHD) in early childhood and ways to support. Emily McCourt, MD, Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus  –   Dr. McCourt will discuss the eye care needs for children with Down syndrome during their first few years of age (including keratoconus, strabismus, and glaucoma). Sujata Bardhan, MS, PhD, Program Director in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH)  – Dr. Bardhan will discuss The NIH INCLUDE Project: Accelerating Research Discoveries for People with Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan (including potential for families to get involved and participate).  “DSDN has supported more than 25,000 parents through our online peer-to-peer support groups over the past 10 years and has welcomed over 3,000 moms to our annual Rockin’ Mom Retreats,” says DSDN Executive Director and mom to a 9-year-old with Down syndrome, Melissa Shutwell . “The Rockin’ Mom Retreat is a chance to connect, recharge, and be inspired—and thanks to GLOBAL’s support, it’s also a space where attendees can stay informed about the latest research and medical care for their children. The GLOBAL Roundtable is a favorite among many of our moms, and we’re grateful to continue this collaboration to keep such a valuable resource at the heart of our retreat for years to come.” “We have supported DSDN from its very early years, and we are amazed and impressed at how fast the organization has grown,” says Michelle Sie Whitten , GLOBAL President & CEO, and parent of a young adult with Down syndrome. “The information and network they provide for moms and families is so important and we are proud to be a part of that. Any mom who hasn’t attended a Rockin’ Mom Retreat should absolutely check it out!”  “Every year it is exciting to work with Melissa and her team and bring together world renowned Down syndrome experts to speak at the DSDN Rockin’ Mom Retreat GLOBAL Roundtable,” says Bryn Gelaro , GLOBAL Vice President of Research & Medical Care. “While the complimentary mimosa or sangria makes things fun, these moms are super smart and contribute so much to the conversation. I’m convinced this not only helps their own children but their local communities as well.”  To learn more about the DSDN Rockin’ Mom® Retreat, visit https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/mom-retreat-registration . About DSDN The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) is the leading organization dedicated to supporting families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child. Since 2014, DSDN has supported more than 25,000 families through peer-to-peer support, medical condition-specific groups, educational resources, and community-building experiences. DSDN creates safe, inclusive spaces for parents to share their experiences, access real-time support, and build lifelong relationships that strengthen their ability to care for both their children and themselves. In addition to its robust parent network, DSDN is a national leader in improving the Down syndrome diagnosis experience. The organization partners with healthcare professionals to provide training, resources, and direct feedback from families to ensure that diagnoses are delivered with empathy, accuracy, and immediate access to support. Through this work, DSDN is helping raise the standard for how Down syndrome diagnoses are shared and received. DSDN is best known for its vibrant online support groups   and its annual Rockin’ Mom ®  and Rockin’ Dad ™  Retreats, which have welcomed thousands of parents for weekends of connection, rest, and inspiration. Learn more at www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org , and follow DSDN on   Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok . About Global Down Syndrome Foundation The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,500 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 100 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates – the  Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome , the  Sie Center for Down Syndrome , the  University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center  – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the  GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic  at Denver Health. GLOBAL’s widely circulated medical publications include  Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome ,  Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information , and the award-winning magazine  Down Syndrome World TM . GLOBAL also organizes the annual  AcceptAbility Gala  in Washington DC, and the annual  Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show , the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit  globaldownsyndrome.org  and follow us on social media  Facebook ,  X ,  Instagram ,  and  LinkedIn .

The spring raffle is jam-packed with exciting items -- something for everyone! From vacation getaway, to gift cards, to Down syndrome advocacy gear, tickets to Beyoncé, and more! Here’s how it works: 🎟️ Buy a ticket for $5, $10, or $20 — each ticket = 1 chance to win! 🎯 Only 200 tickets available per item (except for the 50/50 raffle!). Grab as many tickets as you want — no limit! ⏳ Tickets are available until they sell out or midnight on May 5. Winners will be drawn on May 6 and notified by May 7. 📦 Physical prizes ship by May 20! Don’t wait — once the tickets are gone, they’re GONE. 🌟 Get your tickets here: https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/2025-dsdn-spring-raffle

Tickets for DSDN’s spring raffle are on sale though May 5 or until they sell out! The 50/50 raffle is at over $700 to the winner and could grow up to $2500!!!! 👀👀👀 LOTS of gift cards and other awesome items! Winners drawn May 6 🎉 Get YOUR tickets NOW: https://form.jotform.com/250935621482155

For the first time ever, we’re bringing the DSDN community together in a whole new way! DSDN Day on May 1st is a day dedicated to celebrating the power of connection and support that makes this network so special. Whether you’re a new parent or years into this journey, this day is for you! What’s Happening on DSDN Day? • National Playdates & Meetups – Meet up in real life with other Rockin’ Moms and Dads! • Virtual Conversations – Just like here in the app, but LIVE! Join moderated discussions throughout the day with parents who truly get it. • Special DSDN Day Challenges – Fun ways to connect, share, and a few surprises! • DSDN Live Streamathon – Tune in LIVE with our team to learn more about DSDN, hear inspiring stories, and get a chance to win a retreat registration! • DSDN Spring Raffle - Participate in our Spring raffle for a chance to win great prizes! This space is for you, and DSDN Day is the perfect time to lean in, check in, and celebrate all that makes this community incredible. We can’t wait to celebrate DSDN Day with YOU on May 1st! Stay tuned right here in the app for all the details – you won’t want to miss it!

Every family receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis deserves support, encouragement, and connection—from day one. That’s what DSDN has been providing for over a decade, and DSDN Day on May 1st is a time to celebrate the power of this community! 💙 Whether you found DSDN on day one, year one, or just recently, your story matters. On DSDN Day, we’ll come together to: ✔️ Connect with Rockin’ Moms and Dads through virtual conversations & national meetups ✔️ Celebrate our journey with fun challenges & special events in the DSDN App ✔️ Share our stories and spread awareness so more families can find support Mark your calendar for May 1st and get ready to celebrate! 🎉 📢 How has DSDN impacted your journey? Share your story with us! These will be featured on our social media and other marketing platforms leading up to and on DSDN Day. https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/dsdn-impact-story-submission-form

Mark your calendars—May 1st is DSDN Day! 💛 For so many families, DSDN has been a game-changer—offering that first sigh of relief, introducing lifelong friends, or helping navigate this unexpected journey. Now, we want to hear your story! Tell us how DSDN has impacted your life—whether it was a moment of reassurance, a friendship that made all the difference, or resources that helped you along the way. Your story matters, and we’d love to hear and share it! 🎁 Bonus! Everyone who shares their story by April 18th will be entered to win a DSDN Prize Pack! How to enter? It’s super easy! Just follow this link: 👉 https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/dsdn-impact-story-submission-form ¿Hablas español? ¡Haz clic aquí para la versión en español! 👉 https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/dsdn-impact-submission-spanish You can write your story and include a photo, or even better—send us a short video! We can’t wait to celebrate your journey with DSDN! 💛💙

Join us for an easy (and delicious!) way to support DSDN on World Down Syndrome Day! 🥡 What: Virtual Community Fundraiser with Panda Express 📅 When: Place your order for pickup or delivery for Friday, March 21, 2025 📲 Where: Nationwide - Order online or in the Panda Express app How to participate: 1️⃣ Place your order online at www.pandaexpress.com or in the Panda Express app 2️⃣ Enter code 928120 in the "Fundraiser Code" box at checkout 3️⃣ Enjoy your meal while supporting families in the Down syndrome community! DSDN will receive 28% of sales! 🎉 Mark your calendars and help us spread the word! 💙💛

Big news from DSDN! 🌟 We know that every family's journey is unique, and we love celebrating the beautiful diversity within the Down syndrome community. That’s why we’re beyond excited to introduce our newest Parent & Family Identity Group: American Indian, First Nations & Indigenous Families! 🎉 This space is all about connection, support, and sharing experiences with others in tribal nations who have children with Down syndrome. If this sounds like the perfect fit for you or someone you know, come join the conversation—we can’t wait to welcome you! ❤️✨

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by rocking those fun, mismatched socks! 🧦💙 As our friends at PALS Socks say, "Even if we don’t match, let’s be pals!" Each year, DSDN partners with PALS for a special FUNdraiser, and you can join in! For every pair of socks you buy, PALS donates a portion to help us continue our mission. Here’s how you can get involved: ✅ Register as a fundraiser and share the love! 🛍️ Or shop from someone else’s fundraiser – every pair helps! Let’s make a difference, one pair of socks at a time! 💙 You can use the link below to register as a Volunteer FUNdraiser or to place an order. https://palssocks.rallyup.com/2025dsdn321/Campaign/Details

Hey there! 🌟 We want to showcase how YOU and your family celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! Whether you're rocking those mismatched socks, sporting your WDSD gear, or have a picture showing off your awesome yard sign, we want to see it all! 🌈 If you'd love to be a part of our video collage, which we’ll be sharing on our social media platforms, submit your photo here: https://bit.ly/DSDNphoto (don’t forget to select ‘WDSD 2025’ under ‘Is this photo for an upcoming spotlight?’). 📅 Deadline to submit photos: March 17th!

Hey Rockin’ Dads! 👋 We’re gearing up for an amazing Rockin’ Dad Retreat in San Diego in July, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out! 🎉 If you haven’t already, make sure you’re signed up and ready for an incredible weekend of connection, support, and fun. 🔹 Have you registered yet? Spots are limited, so don’t wait! 🔹 Want to go but concerned about the cost? Learn more about how you can offset cost through fundraising. And be on the lookout for scholarships. 
 🔹 Are you active in the Rockin’ Dad group? Jump in, share, and connect—we’re here for each other!
 🔹 Know another Rockin’ Dad who needs this? Invite them to the app so they don’t miss out! Learn more: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/dad-retreat-registration