2012 Shooting Stars

This is the third year for our popular Shooting Stars Program.   This program is an offshoot from the Stars Tent at the Step Up Walk.  The Stars Tent highlights all the accomplishments of our membership by displaying Bios within the tent.  Individuals with Down syndrome make us all realize and appreciate that the smallest accomplishments are HUGE that others may take for granted - whether it is climbing a step for the first time, playing the Baritone in a marching band, or reading a book.  As an extension of our Stars Bios, which sit static on the walls of the tent, we created the "Shooting Stars" concept to allow a group of volunteer college students to follow the DSAF Stars outside the tent and into their lives during the morning of the walk.  Through text, quotes, and pictures, we hope that this accurately captures the heart-warming magic that is the Step Up Walk!

Shooting Starts Quotes:

Team Tyler!!

This is Team Tyler’s first year at the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  Their little boy Tyler is five months old and they have been a part of the DSAF for five months.  They found out that Tyler had Down syndrome at birth and the DSAF has provided them with great support! They got 2^nd place in having the most walkers category for the walk this year.

Holly’s Hugs 

Holly is 15 years old and her and her family have been a part of the DSAF for 15 years.  They told us that this is a great fundraiser and they enjoy it!

Kate’s Crew

Kate is 7 and a half and this is her and her families 4^th year involved in the DSAF and the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  She is a 1^st grader and doing well in school.  Kate and her family are from Aura, NE and this is the closest chapter of the DSAF to them.  They really like this group and explained that it has helped them get involved with other families since they live in a small town. 

 

Team Syndrome of the Down (got idea from the music group System of the Down)

Marley and her family are team Syndrome of the Down.  Marley is 6 and this is their 4^th year involved in the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  Marley is in Kindergarten and is involved in the Girls Group at the Barkley Center.  Marley’s mom told us that is it nice to meet people from outside of Lincoln who come to this walk. 

Team Jammin’ for Jake

Jake is 2 years old and him and his family have been involved in DSAF activities for two years.  Jake’s dad explained to us that the DSAF has been a great way for them to get to know other people, find doctors, and get involved in play groups!

 

“DSAF is a support group that has provided close friends who are in a similar situation to go to for advice.” -From a parent who has been involved with Step Up For Down Syndrome for 5 years since her daughter was born when asked what the association means to them. The parents are glad their daughter has grown to be friends with other children with Down syndrome, people to look forward to being life-long friends with, who she is able to connect with and understand each other in school and other activities.

 

Here are some more photos taken by the Shooting Stars Group.

2012 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

The 2012 Capital City Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk was a huge success this year.  A record 75 teams preregistered over 1600 walkers who raised over $90,000.  October 6 was a chilly day but our hearts were warm after seeing all the love an support that was abundant in Antelope Park that day.

This is the third year for the Early Bird Fundraising Incentive where teams who raised money before August 31 st coul earn up to 3 fact posters for each $175 raised.  The response was incredible.  There were 98 posters earned this year that were displayed along the walk.

Photographer Erica Thompson of Images for a Lifetime took most of the photos and designed the beautiful posters.   .  After posting them on Facebook they "went viral"  with some of the posters being shared over a thousand times all around the world.  Other groups have even shared a link to our posters on thier blogs and websites as seen here.  What an awesome way to spread Down syndrome awareness!

 

 This poster of Anna was shared 1,629 times

Thank you to everyone who formed a teams, raised or donated funds, and walked to support thier favorite loved one with Down syndrome.!

Annual Picnic and Pool Party

July 15, 2012 might have been a warm day for a picnic, but it was a perfect day for a swim party.  Our DSAF extended family enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and brats from HyVee, along with salads, sided and desserts provided by our members.  The food was delicious.

Kids and parents alike cooled off after eating, with a nice dip in UNI Pool.  It was a fun night for our kids, and a great time for parents to get to connect with other parents in our group. 

 

Super Stars Event

Super Stars Event Eight DSAF families enjoyed the Super Star's event on June 7th
at Art Planet. The kids had fun making sun catchers, getting their faces painted and coloring with sidewalk chalk. All family members got to enjoy the live music. It was a fun time for all involved.

iPod/iPad Workshop

On Saturday March 31, Information Technology Specialist Lenette Sprunk and Dixie Trevarthen were joined by parents and family members of the DSAF of Nebraska at the HyVee on 52 and O street.  They presenting information about accessories (especially cases) that can be used to with iPads, and also showed some of the best apps for individuals with special learning needs.  10/11 News stopped by to report on the event.  Here is a link to their video. 

World Down Syndrome Day 2012

Today we join hands with the rest of the world to celebrate all of our friends who were blessed with an extra chromosome.  To celebrate we had a fundraiser at Noodles and Co.  We would like to thank everyone who came to support the DSAF.  We had a WONDERFUL turn out! 10/11 news was even there interviewing friends and family members.  Click here for the interview of Deb and Paul Safarik this morning.  Click here for the interview on tonight's fundraiser.

Spread the Word to End the Word!

Take the word "retarded" out of your vocabulary. Words are powerful so the next time you hear someone use the r- word, tell them to choose another word. Over 200 million people have intellectual disabilities. Replace the word with *respect*.

Spread the word to end the word. www.r-word.org