Dear Family & Friends:
On Sunday, September 20th, we will be walking in the 12th Annual walk to help raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAM). DSAM is a non-profit organization and their mission is to provide information, resources and to support individuals with Down syndrome their families and their communities. They provide outreach support and services and seek to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. For more information about DSAM or Down syndrome, please go to www.dsamn.org.
Some updates since last year’s walk:
- Nolan loves to play puzzles and any activity with a ball - we think he'll be a strong lefty in baseball.
- Nolan's speech is improving, he continues to use sign language, especially for ice cream.
- Nolan loves his school, teachers and friends and continues to make great progress at home and school. All the teachers and classmates love him.
- Rochelle continues her involvement on the Board of Directors of DSAM and currently holds the role of Treasurer and attended a conference in DC earlier this year.
- Rochelle and Dan helped with the formation of a new non-profit, Prairie Bluff Living Community, which has been set up to research the possibility of housing for families and individuals with special needs.
- The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) has continued a national awareness campaign for Down syndrome, “We’re More Alike Than Different” and NDSC including DSAM are raising funds to promote positive facts about people with Down syndrome and hopefully eliminate the notion that people like Nolan are without value.
The Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is DSAM’s primary fundraising event, and for all the good things that DSAM is working on, we’re putting on our walking shoes and asking for your donation. We hope that you will consider sponsoring us as we join the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in September. Together we can make a difference. We are extremely grateful for whatever amount you can give - no amount is too small!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so directly through this site, it is simple, fast and totally secure. If you are uncomfortable donating online, please feel free to send your donation made payable to DSAM to 12600 James Road, Minnetonka, MN 55343. Donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask us or you can also go to www.dsamn.org for more information.
Lastly, PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE YOU THINK MAY ALSO LIKE TO HELP! Our whole family extends heartfelt thanks for your support. If you would like to join us at the walk, please let us know ASAP – and keep your fingers crossed for good weather.
Dan and Rochelle Hilson