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We’re excited to offer customizable yard signs to proudly celebrate your child leading up to and on World Down Syndrome Day! These signs can be personalized using our free Canva template, and the process is simple and completely free to use (a free Canva account is required). 🪧 How to Customize Your Yard Sign: 1. Open the Template   2. Select “Use Template for New Design”: This will create a copy for you to edit. 3. Add Your Child’s Photo: Upload a picture and drag it into the photo frame (the placeholder with grass and sky). 4. Replace “NAME” with your child’s name. If the name is longer, adjust the font size as needed. That’s it — everything else is ready to go! The design is fully prepped, so you can focus on adding those personal touches. 🫶 Additional Notes: * The QR code on the back links to a World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) page on the DSDN website. Check it out here . * If you’re fundraising for DSDN, you can replace the QR code to your fundraising link. To do this, go to Apps > QR Code in Canva, and enter your fundraiser URL. Move your QR code on top of the existing one. If you need assistance, post in the 2025 Fundraising Group. ✨Printing Options:
 You can print directly through Canva, but for the most cost-effective option, we recommend Imprint.com . Follow these instructions  for printing to get started. The world is truly better with our kids in it! 🎉 Need extra help? Reach out to support@dsdiagnosisnetwork.org or post your question in any group in the App and our team will assist.

Stillwater, MN & Miami, FL (January 20, 2026) — Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) and Eunie’s Buddies , a Family Support program by Best Buddies International, are proud to announce a new partnership that extends Eunie’s Buddies’s established mentorship program to families served through the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, offering parent-to-parent connection for families navigating the early stages of their Down syndrome journey. The program pairs parents and caregivers seeking support with trained mentors who offer compassionate guidance, lived experience, and a safe space to ask questions and share feelings. Together, the organizations aim to strengthen family connection and ensure that no parent feels alone during or after a Down syndrome diagnosis. “ Our mission has always centered on providing families with timely, compassionate support, ” said Shannon Prausa , DSDN Family Support Director. “ Partnering with Eunie’s Buddies expands our ability to connect parents in meaningful ways and meet families exactly where they are. ” “ At the heart of Eunie’s Buddies is connection: parents supporting parents through lived experience, ” said Cecilia Elizalde , Senior Director of Best Buddies Family Support. “ By partnering with DSDN, we’re expanding the ways families can find guidance, community, and reassurance in those early moments, creating a more seamless and meaningful support system for families of children with Down syndrome. ” Eunie’s Buddies, founded to offer support and resources for families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, brings a strong foundation of community-building and mentorship. About DSDN DSDN is the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis. The mission of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is to connect, support, and provide accurate information to parents - and the medical professionals who serve them - from the time of diagnosis through age 3 while fostering the opportunity for lifelong connections. Our vision is that every Down syndrome diagnosis will be delivered in an unbiased, factual, and supportive way every time and that families can quickly find meaningful connections. About Best Buddies Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). About Eunie’s Buddies: Eunie’s Buddies is the pioneer program of the Family Support initiative, offering families the guidance, connection, and resources they need as they navigate the journey of raising a child with an IDD. Eunie’s Buddies—named affectionately in honor of Special Olympics’ founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver—pairs experienced parents of a child with an IDD with new parents who are expecting, have recently welcomed a baby, or are raising a child up to age eight who has just received an IDD diagnosis.

World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) is coming up fast, and this year we’re making it easier than ever to celebrate, advocate, and include the people around you. For 2026, we created Rock On 3.21™ sock + swag boxes, ready-made kits you can hand out in classrooms, at work, with friend groups, on sports teams, or around your neighborhood. Everything you need to make March 21 meaningful, without having to plan, shop, or DIY. Each box includes items for 10 people and helps you: • start conversations • celebrate differences • make inclusion visible • give people something they can wear and keep ❗️We only made 200 boxes for this first year so if interested, order quickly! Boxes are available first come, first served. When they’re gone, they’re gone for 2026. See what’s inside: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/rockon321 ✨ How does this work? Easy as pie! 1. Order a ready-made box of socks, with or without extra WDSD swag. 2. Your Rock On 3.21™ package arrives in early March. 3. Hand everything out on or around March 21 to classmates, coworkers, friends, family, or neighbors and celebrate together! Place your order here: https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/2026-rock-on-321-boxes-campaign 🌟 Bonus! If you’re participating in DSDN fundraising this year, any amount raised through your Rock On 3.21™ boxes can be added to your fundraising total and can count toward things like retreat registration and travel support. Want to learn more about fundraising for prizes? https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/fundraisinghomebase

It's here! The fall raffle is jam-packed with exciting items -- something for everyone! From ornaments to gift cards, Down syndrome advocacy gear, home decor, Taylor Swift Limited vinyl, 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 November 30. Winners will be drawn on December 1 and notified by  December 2 Physical prizes ship by December 8! Don’t wait — once the tickets are gone, they’re GONE. Get your tickets here: https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/dsdn-fall-raffle--2025

We’re looking for 500 parents to raise $500 this season to help support DSDN’s mission! 🙌 Not sure of all we do? Here’s a quick snapshot: 🎁 Welcome gifts for new parents 💌 Care cards for extended hospital stays 🕊️ Memorial gifts for grieving families 💬 100+ online parent support groups 🫶 Adoption grants 🌟 Annual Rockin’ Mom® and Rockin’ Dad™ Retreats 🎟️ Retreat scholarships 👶 Expectant and new parent resources 💻 Webinars and virtual meetups 👩‍⚕️ Outreach to medical professionals — equipping them with up-to-date, unbiased information and resources for delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis When you raise $500, you’ll earn a free registration to the 2026 Rockin’ Mom® or Rockin’ Dad™ Retreat or a $100 Staycation Gift Card! 🎉 And that’s just the start!🏆 You’ll also have chances to win monthly prizes to keep you motivated — and the more you raise, the more you can earn: ✨ Travel support to next year’s retreat ✨ Named donations in your honor to a local organization ✨ VIP experiences during retreat weekend 👉 Head to dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/fundraisinghomebase to sign up and start fundraising today! 💡 Need help, ideas, or a little motivation?Join the Fundraising Group here in the app — your DSDN team and fellow fundraisers are ready to cheer you on every step of the way.Go to Groups > Other Groups to find it! 💙

Haz clic para ver en español ⬇️ We had so much fun last year seeing all of the creative, adorable, and hilarious costumes you and your families wore that we just had to bring it back again this year! We can’t wait to see all the amazing pictures shared within our community. It’s the perfect way to connect, show off your creativity, and maybe even inspire others to join the fun! How to participate: 👉 Create a post IN YOUR BIRTH GROUP with the subject: Costume Contest. A little housekeeping: 📸 You can share as many photos as you’d like, but only one entry per person will count. 👨‍👩‍👧 Only entries posted within birth groups will be eligible. 🕛 Deadline to enter: Midnight on October 31st. 🎉 We’ll randomly select the winner on November 2nd! Don’t miss out — post your picture and join the fun. You never know… you might just take the crown this year! 👑💙 🎭✨ ¡El Concurso de disfraces virtuales de DSDN ha VUELTO! ✨🎭 El año pasado nos divertimos tanto viendo los disfraces creativos, adorables y divertidísimos que ustedes y sus familias usaron, ¡que este año tuvimos que volver a disfrutarlos! ¡Nos morimos de gana de ver todas las fotos que se compartan en nuestra comunidad! Es la forma perfecta de conectar, presumir tu creatividad, ¡y quizás hasta inspirar a otros a unirse a la diversión. Cómo participar: 👉 Crea una publicación EN TU GRUPO DE NACIMIENTO con el asunto: Concurso de Disfraces. Un poco de organización: 📸 Puedes compartir tantas fotos como quieras, pero solo se contará una por persona. 👨‍👩‍👧 Solo se considerarán las participaciones publicadas en los grupos de nacimiento. 🕛 Fecha límite para participar: 31 de octubre a medianoche. 🎉 ¡Seleccionnaremos al ganador al azar el 2 de noviembre! ¡No te lo pierdas! Publica tu foto y únete a la diversión. Nunca se sabe... ¡quizás te lleves la corona este año! 👑💙

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