The National Down Syndrome Society, in collaboration with York and Chapel (a PR firm) has unveiled a new initiative - My Great Story.

Designed to let people with Down syndrome tell their stories, this project seeks to:

...honor and celebrate the great stories of the 400,000 Americans living with Down syndrome by showcasing these stories in a beautiful online storybook. This book will feature inspirational stories about work, school, friends, family, hobbies, travel, the NDSS Buddy Walk program and many other things. If you have Down syndrome, we want to hear your great story! We want to learn about your achievements, dreams, aspirations, successes, and anything else about yourself that you want to share. If you have a great story about someone you know who has Down syndrome, tell us!

Be sure and check out the project webpage and to encourage your family member or friend to participate!

Alzheimer's disease is a slowly progressive degenerative brain disease that causes memory problems, disorientation, and confusion. Alzheimer's progresses to dementia and eventually causes physical problems such as trouble with swallowing and motor coordination, and ultimately leads to death. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in the U.S. and is typically a disease of old age.

While Alzheimer's is usually a disease of old age, there is an increased risk for people with Down syndrome to develop Alzheimer's disease and to develop it at a younger age than the general population.

The University of South Carolina's Genetic Counseling Program and Center for Disability Resources hosted a meeting of The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the National Down Syndrome Congress,the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

The two-day meeting was designed to bring these groups together to discuss prenatal screening and diagnosis as it relates to Down syndrome. The groups came up with a consensus document (clicking this link will download a PDF version of this statement): "Toward Concurrence: Understanding Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome from the Health Professional and Advocacy Community Perspectives."

I was very excited to see these groups finally come together to discuss these issues. Having a foot in both camps so to speak, I have always been dismayed at the somewhat adversarial nature of the relationship between the Down syndrome support groups and the medical societies. I am hoping that this meeting is a first step in understanding each other's positions. Do you think that this is possible?

This article in the the Maryland Gazzette highlights the efforts of one proud mother of a child with Down syndrome.

After her first son was born seven years ago with Down syndrome, Andrea Roberts, turned her grief into action and founded Reece's Rainbow. Reece's Rainbow is an adoption agency that places foreign-born children with Down syndrome in American homes.

Since 2002, she has placed over 190 children (an average of one a week) in loving families and her website contains information about many more children waiting for adoption.

I am always amazed by parents who react to the challenge of Down syndrome by starting their own company of setting up their own foundation. I can understand where they get the motivation, but don't know where they get the time and energy. Do you know of any other parents that have started their own company or foundation after having a child with Down syndrome?