Hello Family and Friends,

Keelin came into our lives on a rollercoaster of emotions in those first few days, but the joys have dominated every day since.  In the past year and a half, we have learned, grown, and loved more than we ever thought possible.

We discovered the Michiana Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group (DSFSAG) shortly after Keelin was born.  This network of families has been a critical part of our support structure, providing us with resources, referrals, information, activities, education, fellowship, and encouragement.  In retrospect, it seems providential that we should end up in the Michiana area just before Keelin came to us.  I can't imagine navigating the day-to-day challenges of meeting Keelin's special needs without the DSFSAG.

We have many reasons to be thankful, and in particular, we are thankful for the many benefits that have come to Keelin through the DSFSAG.  Those benefits, like the $100 mini-grant that we used to pay for therapy toys and a humidifier for Keelin's room when she was sick, the monthly meetings that allow Keelin to meet and play with other children with Down syndrome, the resource library that allows us to be the most informed parents we can be, and the outreach efforts that educate our community to accept and include people with Down syndrome.  We are also thankful for the great health that Keelin has been blessed with to date.  Unfortunately, many children with Down syndrome undergo serious medical procedures, and the DSFSAG supports those children and their families with medical grants that help cover some of the costs associated with their care.  All of these efforts are completely funded by the DSFSAG.

The Buddy Walk is the primary fundraising event that the DSFSAG puts on each year, and we rely on the proceeds to continue to fund this great work.  Please come walk with us in the 2008 Buddy Walk, and consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Michiana Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  Your participation and contribution are extremely important and appreciated.

So, come walk with Team Keelin, and help us improve the lives of children with Down syndrome.  She will love you for it...OK, she will love you either way, but at least you have a reason to come spend time with the cutest girl in the world!!!

All our love,
Starr, Rob, Aidan and Keelin

PS - DONATE $25 OR MORE AND WE WILL SEND YOU A 2009 MICHIANA DOWN SYNDROME CALENDAR FEATURING KEELIN AND HER FRIENDS!