On May 6, 2011, our family welcomed Oliver Isaac Hitz to the world. Oliver came with along with a few surprises, including Down Syndrome and three separate heart defects. He spent eight days in the NICU at Childrens Hospital of Central California, which is where we learned about the Down Syndrome Association of Central California (DSACC). DSACC Founders Mike and Denise Allshouse immediately took us under their wing, offering books, DVDs and most of all support to help our family cope with Oliver's diagnosis.

Several members of DSACC visited us once again when Oliver had open heart surgery the beginning of August, offering kind words and a hot meal.

We have been overwhelmed at the support and guidance the Down Syndrome Society has offered us and look forward to helping other parents who embark on a similar journey, which is why we have chosen to participate in DSACC's Step Up for Down Syndrome event on October 15th. Please follow the links if you would like to join Team Oliver or make a donation.

Thanks,

Rachel, Brian & Oceana