Help David raise money

Dear family, friends, and colleagues,

Welcome to summer, and what feels like the first normal summer in a long time! Skal!!

Robyn, Andrew (14), Eleanor (13 by race day), and I will be running the Falmouth Road Race (FRR) again this year on Team MDSC (Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress) in honor of our daughter Claire (11). 

I started running this race the year Claire was born, a very uncertain time for our family. The MDSC provided support and community, and through that, belief in the future. Soon after Robyn began running the FRR, then Andrew, and then Eleanor. Maybe Claire will be next?  In 2020, Chris Nikic became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon (140 miles!!). There really are no limits, just limiting beliefs, and we are trying to avoid any of those.

Team MDSC is about supporting and believing in the full potential of people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. We are working together to raise important funds that enable the MDSC to support new and expectant families, educate health care professionals about Down syndrome and how to deliver a diagnosis, provide social and leadership development for teens and young adults with Down syndrome, equip educators with best practices and resources, and create and influence legislation affecting people with Down syndrome and other disabilities on the local and national level.  The MDSC’s influence does not stop at the Massachusetts border or only help people with Down Syndrome, their work benefits all people with intellectual disabilities, everywhere. In short, we are building a supportive and inclusive community.

Claire is finishing fifth grade and heading to middle school next year, which is crazy. She is a little peanut, but a super cute one. Her favorite sport is still swimming and just participated in the State Special Olympics Swim Meet. She is also involved in track and field, cycling, and may try soccer in the fall. We continue to work on her speech and sleep.

We have been truly blessed over the years to have your support. Together we have raised over $60,000 and helped develop the Down syndrome community as we know it today and improve the lives of people with disabilities everywhere. In addition to the financial support, I want to thank you all for being accepting and welcoming to all people. Thank You!! 

Please consider supporting this great cause!!   

Dave, Robyn, Andrew, Eleanor, & Claire