Help David raise money

Dear family, friends, and colleagues,

Once again, Robyn, Andrew (15), Eleanor (14), and I will be running the Falmouth Road Race (FRR) on Team MDSC (Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress) in honor of our daughter Claire (12). The race is in less than a month, so it’s time to make fundraising and training a priority!  Yes, I am out very late this year.

I am also dedicating this year’s race to Mom, Erna, who we lost in October of last year.   If this is the first you are hearing of this, that is my fault.  I had a hard time talking about it and didn’t share it on social media, and frankly I am still dealing with it.  She was a great mom, and I miss her every day.   

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?  There really are no limits, just limiting beliefs.  Finally, a few years back I decided to join the MDSC Board to help this organization even more.

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 just finished sixth grade and is perhaps the most loving person I know. She can light up a room with her infectious energy, glowing smile and silly faces. Her favorite sport is still swimming and she participated in the State Special Olympics Swim Meet this spring. She is also involved in track and field, and cycling.   We continue to work on her speech and sleep.  Later this summer she will be trying a sleep mask, as she wakes herself up hundreds of times over the course of a night.

We have been truly blessed over the years to have your support. Together we have helped develop the Down syndrome community as we know it improve the lives of people with disabilities everywhere. In addition to the financial support, we 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