Keep Infants with Down Syndrome

Leticia Velasquez - A Special Mother is Born

2012-01-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

Fourth Annual KIDS Event at the 2012 March for Life in DC

2012-01-25T01:51:00.000-05:00

KIDS held its fourth annual event at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. We had approximately 75 attendees at our event, which was held at the headquarters of the National Right to Life Committee. NRLC generously invites us each year to use their offices and provides sandwiches and refreshments before joining the other several hundred thousand participants in the March for Life.

As in previous years, we were honored to be joined by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington state, who is the proud mother of 4-year-old Cole who has Down syndrome. She started the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus and is a champion for individuals with special needs in Congress. She was joined by Dr. Karen Summar, a Kennedy fellow and developmental pediatrician, who is working with Cathy for the year and is assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, focusing on disability issues.

Cathy spoke about the work they are doing in Congress. They are pursuing funding the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, and have introduced two bills, the Centers of Excellence in Down Syndrome Translational Research Act and the Down Syndrome Research Resources Act. She spoke about how she is connecting with the Alzheimer's research community and how important it was to coordinate research for both Down syndrome and Alzheimer's (because of their close relationship genetically). She also spoke of the status of the ABLE Act. We will go into more detail about the issues Cathy talked about in a future post.

We presented Cathy with a beautiful, patriotic hook rug wall hanging with the message "God Bless America," which was made by one of our members, 18-year-old Anna Sheppard who has Down syndrome (will update with photo later).

After the event, most of our group continued on to join the march.

Out of the thousands of schools, parishes, faith communities, and other pro-life groups represented by the several hundred thousand participants at the March for Life, KIDS may have been the only group that represented a group of babies who are literally sought out and targeted for abortion through prenatal testing.

KIDS was formed so families and friends of individuals with Down syndrome could walk in solidarity in the March for Life and to bring attention to the tragically high abortion rate of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Thank you Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Dr. Summar for being our special guests, and thank you to NRLC for hosting our KIDS event! And thank you to the family and friends who attended, making the event a success!

KIDS conference is pen for free in person or online registration

2012-01-13T14:49:00.003-05:00

Council on Poor Prenatal Diagnoses

& Therapeutic Intervention

Founding Partners:

Medical Students for Life, Family Research Council,

Keep Infants with Down Syndrome & Jérôme Lejeune Foundation USA

First Annual

Conference on Medical Advances in Prenatal Diagnoses

Saturday, January 21, 8:30 am – 5 pm

Family Research Council, 801 G Street, NW , Washington DC

Presenters include:

Alberto Costa, MD, Ph.D.

Byron Calhoun, MD

John Bruchalski, MD

David Prentice, Ph.D.

Gerard Nadal, Ph.D.

The Conference will bring together professionals from many different specialty areas, including genetic researchers, ob/gyn physicians, developmental pediatricians, hospital nursing staff, medical genetic counselors and medical students. Other invited participants and guests include peer ministry providers, social service support professionals, advocates for persons with disabilities and public policy specialists.

The goals of the Conference are:

· affirm the life and dignity of all persons, especially those diagnosed prenatally with a disability or lethal condition

· review how information about prenatal diagnoses of disability or lethal condition is currently delivered

· consider how this information might be delivered more comprehensively

· consider the impact of a new blood test for Down syndrome in obstetric care

· explain the work of the Council and its year-long engagement on prenatal diagnosis issues

· review best practices for postnatal care of infants with disabilities in perinatal hospice and in hospital, home and medical daycare settings

An agenda for the day will be available soon. Our host for the day, the Family Research Council (FRC), has limited space, so this first Conference is by invitation only. However, FRC will be webcasting all general sessions that day, which can be viewed viawww.frc.org. For more information, contact Jeanne Monahan at Family Research Council, jfm@frc.org ( 202- 225-4008) or Peg Kolm, at mkolm@adw.org (240-994-0603). We welcome your interest and expertise in this effort, and hope you can join us on January 21.

Fourth Annual KIDS Event at March for Life

2012-01-05T14:20:00.001-05:00

We are excited to announce plans for the fourth annual KIDS event at the 2012 March for Life in Washington, DC! Once again, we will be meeting at the headquarters of the National Right to Life Committee, just a few blocks from the start of the March. See details at the end of this note for time and location.

We are honored to have Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as our special guest for the third year in a row. Cathy is from the state of Washington and has a 4-year-old son, Cole, with Down syndrome. She is a champion for children with special needs in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Participating in the March for Life is like nothing that can be expressed in words; it just has to be experienced! Seeing and being part of the sea of pro-lifers that swarm up Constitution Avenue is so inspiring. Last year it occurred to me that out of all the thousands and thousands of different organizations, parishes, faith communities, high schools, colleges, and pro-life groups that have a presence at the March, our KIDS group may be one of the only, if not the only, group to represent a class of people who are specifically targeted for abortion--those precious unborn babies with Down syndrome.
Now that the new prenatal maternal blood test, MaterniT21, is out on the market, making it even easier to detect Down syndrome earlier in pregnancy, it is even more important for families (and friends) of children with Down syndrome to come together and have a presence at the March for Life, to show the world what a blessing our children (young and adult) are. Please, please, come if you are able! It can be overwhelming to think about driving or taking the Metro into DC with your children, but really, I think sometimes the anticipation of doing it is more overwhelming than actually doing it. If your children are not up walking the entire March, you can do just part of it. But we would so love to see you at the KIDS event!

Here are the details:
Date: Monday, January 23rd
Time: 10:30 - Noon
Location: National Right to Life Committee, 512 10th Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

Special Guest: Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who will arrive at 11:00 a.m.

The National Right to Life Committee generously invites us to use space in their offices and also provides sandwiches and refreshments. So you can have a nice lunch to give you energy for the March! Thank you NRLC!

Please spread the word to anyone you know who has a family member with Down syndrome, or anyone who has a heart for individuals with Down syndrome. If there is another Down syndrome group who will be participating, we invite them to join us. We hope to see you in a few weeks! (It would be helpful to let us know if you are coming, just so we can get an estimate of how many to expect. Also, we would like to give more details (cell phone numbers, parking directions, etc.))

Eileen and Leticia

http://keepinfantswithdownsyndrome.blogspot.com/

What to give your doctor for Christmas

2011-12-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

This press release just came out announcing a wonderful booklet on Down syndrome which you can get for FREE for your healthcare professional. I have a copy of the patient version, it has lovely photos of children with Down syndrome doing all sorts of things, and although it mentions 'termination' as a option, it warns the mother that those who abort often suffer traumatic stress afterward. It is written in English and Spanish and can be purchased for $15 for patients, and obtained for free by doctors.

Nationally Recommended Prenatal Down Syndrome Diagnosis Booklets Available Free to Medical Providers

Atlanta, GA, December 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- This week, Canister launched a revamped Lettercase program to distribute free copies of "Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis" to medical providers nationwide. The booklets, authored by Stephanie Meredith, were created with input from representatives of the national medical organizations, including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Medical Genetics, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and the national Down syndrome organizations.

The booklet contains accurate, up-to-date, and balanced prenatal information about Down syndrome for patients learning about a prenatal diagnosis from their physician. The booklet covers available health and education services, common medical conditions for babies with Down syndrome, information about pregnancy options, and helpful resources about the condition. The booklet also includes a Spanish translation and has been optimized for different reading levels.

Practicing medical providers who are involved in delivering Down syndrome diagnoses are eligible for a free copy of the booklet at www.lettercase.org, and medical facilities may also purchase additional copies as needed. The philanthropic program is funded exclusively by the creators of the booklet, Canister, a small design studio in Atlanta, GA.

Justin Meredith, the owner of Canister, explained, "We created these booklets four years ago to fill a void of resources for expectant parents learning about a Down syndrome diagnosis. Since that time, we have distributed nearly 20,000 booklets and been fortunate enough to receive feedback and assistance from representatives of the national medical and Down syndrome organizations. The medical professionals have always been the keystone of our program, so we've dedicated our professional skill and funding capacity to make this resource available to them."

Other philanthropic work by Canister includes the Rose Pedal cystic fibrosis cycling event, TEDx Salt Lake City, art museums, DownSyndromePregnancy.org, and breast cancer and leukemia resources

Canister
Justin Meredith
646-262-9903
Contact
canisterco.com

Flashes of Color; a great film about disabilities

2011-11-27T13:13:00.000-05:00

Leticia's article on MaterniT21 the new Down syndrome test

2011-10-19T19:40:00.002-04:00

Go and read it over at the National Catholic Register, and leave a comment!

Pre-orders for our book "A Special Mother is Born" are now being accepted!

2011-10-10T13:28:00.001-04:00

Eileen Haupt and 32 other parents of special needs children, including 19 with Down syndrome have collaborated on the book "A Special Mother is Born".

Great news for those of you who have been wondering when the book will be available!
WestBow Press has said that the books are coming within three weeks!

Just leave your shipping address and secure payment of $22.50 ($19.95 plus $2.55 shipping for a total of $22.50) by credit or debit card at the paypal button in the margin on the right, and I will ship your book to your home in one month.

Health Matters: Down Syndrome

2011-09-29T14:44:00.000-04:00

The book cover for "A Special Mother is Born" is in!

2011-09-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

To keep up with the progress of the book, and for information on where to buy it when it goes on sale next month, go to my blog A Special Mother is Born.

If you missed us on "Faith and Culture" the first time, here's your chance

2011-08-25T19:29:00.001-04:00

Show host Colleen Carrroll Campbell just informed us that EWTN is re-airing our "Faith and Culture" interview on the following dates and times, according to the online schedule.
Sunday Sept. 18 at 5:00 PM EST,

Monday Sept 19 at 2:30 PM EST

Wednesday Sept 21 at 11PM EST.

Its called "Keeping Infants with Down Syndrome".

If you miss this, its not archived, you'll have to purchase the DVD in the EWTN Catalogue.

A Special Mother is Born has a blog and a Facebook page

2011-07-07T20:06:00.000-04:00

Leticia's book "A Special Mother is Born" will be out within a month. It contains 33 stories from parents of special needs children and tells how God blessed their lives through parenting their children.
In this book, Eileen Haupt tells the story of her daughter Sadie's birth, and many KIDS members share their inspiring stories.
Leticia will be posting endorsements and reviews this month in anticipation of the book's release on the new blog dedicated to the book called, appropriately, A Special Mother is Born.
Be sure to like our page on Facebook.

Welcome Drew Mariani listeners!

2011-06-28T16:42:00.000-04:00

Drew Mariani was kind enough to give us his support for our kids on his show on Relevant Radio today, he was shocked when he read the statistic which is all too familiar to us; that 92%. If you are from his show, please leave a comment below to say hello and join our Facebook group.

. Thank you Drew, for allowing me to share the joy Christina brings into my family.

KIDS to be discussed on the Drew Mariani Show Tomorrow.

2011-06-27T18:28:00.003-04:00

I will be discussing KIDS tomorrow at 3:30 EST on the Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio.
Tune in if you get the chance.

Mike Sullivan loves our kids!

2011-06-24T10:26:00.002-04:00

Read my blog post over at National Right to Life News about Mike Sullivan, the engineer from New Zealand who is suing his government over eugenic abortion in the International Criminal Court. I hope this idea catches on, it means that this could be done in every nation which has signed onto the Rome Treaty and has universal pre-natal testing for Down syndrome and other anomalies.

New Zealander Mike Sullivan stands up for our children

2011-06-22T12:06:00.001-04:00

Following TV3's 60 Minutes(on New Zealand television) documentary on June 12 “Down but not out'', parents of children with Down syndrome announced they will lodge a complaint with the International Criminal Court against the Governments screening programme for Down syndrome.

The basis of the parents' complaint is that the Government's antenatal screening programme specifically targets foetuses with Down syndrome and other rare genetic conditions, through the prevention of their births.

The 60 Minutes documentary was introduced with the statement “people with Down syndrome may soon disappear from the face of the earth.'' 60 Minutes revealed the new screening programme was introduced without public consultation and the Ministry of Health “did not bother'' asking the opinion of anyone who has Down syndrome, about the programme.

Mike Sullivan, father of three-year-old Rebecca Sullivan who has Down syndrome, featured in the 60 Minutes documentary. He said people with Down syndrome and other disabilities are human beings who live full and rewarding lives. “They must be treated on an equal basis with other members of our society, without any form of discrimination.''

De-Anne Jensen, mother of three with her oldest son having Down syndrome also featured on 60 Minutes. “Government documents say it costs less not to have children with Down syndrome around, so it looks like they are working to do away with Down syndrome. It's cheaper; you don't have to pay for the special needs things. The Government and medical experts are putting a monetary value on our baby's lives,'' Mrs Jensen said.

The parents' complaint references Government Cabinet papers obtained under the Official Information Act stating the outcomes of the programme will be a reduction in the number of births of
people with Down syndrome, with around 90% of unborn children diagnosed with the condition being terminated. The persecution of an identifiable group of the civilian population through the prevention of births is specifically prohibited under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which New Zealand is signatory.

The group is supported by parents with other disabilities that are being similarly targeted and other organisations who support their concerns.

The groups position statement is that genetic screening must not be used to prevent the birth of unborn children with Down syndrome, or cause harm to any unborn child.

The group recognises genetic testing may help some parents prepare for the birth of a child with Down syndrome. Any testing must respect the life and integrity of the unborn child, cause no harm, be only directed towards safeguarding or healing the unborn child and be presented in a way that does not discriminate against people with Down syndrome or any disability. Any testing must be developed in full engagement with those with Down syndrome.

See Mike Sullivan's interview on 60 Minutes.
For further
information contact:

Mike Sullivan, 09
436 1498 0r 021 406 266 mike.b.sullivan@xtra.co.nz

Welcome Faith and Culture Viewers!

2011-06-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

If you are looking up this blog after seeing Eileen and I interviewed by Colleen Carroll Campbell on "Faith and Culture", welcome! We are happy you are here, and welcome you to KIDS Keep Infants with Down Syndrome, an organization begun to help moms make the decision to keep their child with Down syndrome and give them life.
We want you to know that you are not alone, that life with a child with Down syndrome is a challenge, but there are rewards beyond what you can imagine. As Eileen says "the diagnosis of Down syndrome can never tell you the joy this child will bring to your life". We want to tell you about life with our daughters and hear your story.
We want to get to know you, so leave a comment so we can welcome you into our online family!
Come over to my blog Cause of Our Joy, to share in the daily life with my nine year old Christina, and see why she is the cause of my joy.

KIDS on EWTN's "Faith and Culture"

2011-06-03T14:12:00.001-04:00

Leticia and Eileen are going to be guests on EWTN's "Faith & Culture" show, hosted by Colleen Carroll Campbell, this coming Sunday! We will discuss KIDS, the high abortion rate of babies with Down syndrome, the blessings of having a child with Down syndrome, and other issues related to Down syndrome.

The time is not convenient for church-goers, but it also repeats on Wednesday. So here are the times.

Sunday 6/5 @ 10:30 a.m. EST

Wednesday 6/8 @ 11:00 p.m. EST

If you don't subscribe to cable TV, but you have high-speed internet access, you can watch EWTN on-line at this link: http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.asp (I have good luck with the 300K speed)

We would be honored if you would watch the show, if your schedule allows.

We are so grateful that God has given us this opportunity to reach such a wide audience to raise awareness about the plight of unborn babies with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Population Faces Perfect Storm

2011-05-11T18:30:00.000-04:00

Eileen's commentary about the new prenatal test for diagnosing Down syndrome that it is on the horizon was printed in the Burlington Free Press: Down Syndrome Population Faces Perfect Storm

(The first sentence displayed on the on-line version is actually not the first sentence of the commentary; it is a sentence that the printed version used as a quote in a box to highlight it. Just thought I'd mention it, because I think it reads very awkward.)

Hoping it will cause those who have a heart for the disabled and who consider themselves pro-choice to rethink their views on abortion.

See Eileen and Leticia discuss founding KIDS on TV June 5 and 8

2011-05-02T18:44:00.000-04:00

Eileen and I taped an episode of one of Colleen Carroll Campbell's show "Faith and Culture" about KIDS.

It will be aired on Sunday June 5 at 10:30 AM and on Wednesday June 8 at 11:00 PM on EWTN.

If you don't get EWTN you can live stream it on the internet at those times or watch archived shows by going to EWTN or Colleen Carroll Campbell's website.

Hope you can tune in. Leave a comment and tell us how we did!

Christina's show on Crossroads TV program

2011-04-25T20:23:00.001-04:00

The show which features my daughters and I is now available online at:http://www.ortv.org/crossroads.html. Just click on the date of the show: April 23, 2011, and it should pop up.

We are on at 8:30 after the piece about the Pope John Paul II exhibit at the Knights of Columbus Museum.

Crossroads Show to be aired Saturday

2011-04-23T00:30:00.002-04:00

The Archdiocese of Hartford's TV show "Crossroads" will feature my daughters tomorrow on Channel 20 at 10:30 AM CCTV. You can get it across the state of CT.

It focuses on the documentary Gabbi did on her sister with Down syndrome for a film competition and their close relationship. I got in a few words as well!

If you miss it, I can post a link

The National Institute of Health wants to know if you want Down syndrome research funding

2011-03-28T18:55:00.001-04:00

The NIH has decided to gather info (Request for Information or RFI) regarding an interest in Ds research, data base and bio bank. They want to receive responses by April 1, 2011, in order to decide if there is enough interest to move in that direction. We feel this is clearly a move in the right direction and would love for you to send your email of support. You can write your own or simply modify the wording in the first sentence....As a friend(uncle, relative, etc) of a child with Down syndrome who has five siblings, .....

FYI, the majority of individuals with Ds start with Alzheimer-like symptoms in their 40s. This will dramatically impact the entire family and there is currently a human clinical trial being conducted on just this topic. Of course the majority of funding is through private donations, so to have the support of NIH in funding Ds research more fairly (currently Ds is the most common genetic chromosomal abnormality, yet it is funded by far the lowest) hopefully more breakthroughs will be found to improve cognition and delay the later loss.

If you do write an email please send to: dsrdrfi@mail.nih.gov and cc: nihresponse@globaldownsyndrome.org with subject: RESPONSE TO NIH DOWN SYNDROME RESEARCH DATABASE & BIOBANK RFI

Please pass along to anyone else who may be willing to send an email.

World Down Syndrome Day

2011-03-21T18:10:00.000-04:00

My daughter Gabriela, age 17, made a seven minute documentary on how her sister Christina aged 9 with Trisomy 21, brings joy to our family.
View it here, and if you like it, give it your vote for the Goodness Reigns People's Choice Competition.

World Down Syndrome Day

2011-03-21T14:01:00.001-04:00

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a day when advocates and families around the world celebrate those who have Down syndrome and raise awareness about this genetic condition. March 21st (3/21) was chosen to signify the 3 copies (instead of the usual 2) of chromosome 21, which are present in individuals with Down syndrome.

IDSC for Life has put together this beautiful photo montage of children and adults with Down syndrome. Enjoy!

Interview with Dr Jerome Lejeune's daughter

2011-03-07T17:03:00.000-05:00

It was one of the greatest honors of my life to meet Clara Lejeune Gaymard, daughter and biographer of my great hero, Dr Jerome Lejeune. I met with her at the New York Encounter last month.Dr Lejeune is the geneticist who discovered Trisomy 21, the cause of Down syndrome, and he dedicated his life to researching a cure in order to save them from the 92% abortion rate.

Mrs Lejeune Gaymard. is an international businesswoman, travelling the world for GE while raising nine children. Her wonderful book "Life is a Blessing" is now availalble from the National Catholic Bioethics Center e-store.
Here is the interview at the National Catholic Register.

Assistant Teacher with Down syndrome brings gifts to classroom

2011-03-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

"Faith and Culture" show is airing soon on EWTN

2011-02-10T00:24:00.000-05:00

Host of EWTN's program. "Faith and Culture", Colleen Carroll Campbell is finalizing the show where she interviewed Eileen and Leticia. Check here for air dates, coming soon.

A big THANK YOU to the National Right to Life Committee for hosting KIDS!

2011-01-29T00:45:00.000-05:00

We are so grateful to the National Right to Life Committee for hosting our KIDS event for the past 3 years! NRLC generously provided sandwiches and refreshments and a warm place to meet, just blocks from the march. They are very accommodating and are great friends to KIDS. We so appreciate their generosity!

KIDS highlighted in Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers' newsletter

2011-01-29T00:28:00.000-05:00

We are delighted that Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers highlighted KIDS in her recent e-mail newsletter! The KIDS event is one of the two pro-life events that the congresswoman joined on the day of the March for Life. We are honored that she joined us again this year.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers joins KIDS families and friends.

She had this to say about KIDS:

"...a wonderful organization that works to protect unborn children who have Trisomy 21 and increase awareness about what blessings these children are."

She knows what we know - that our children with Down syndrome are blessings! Thank you, Rep. McMorris Rodgers! We are proud to call you a friend of KIDS!

Leticia's EWTN interview is being re-aired Saturday around 4:30PM

2011-01-28T18:42:00.000-05:00

Leticia was interviewed with KIDS member Dr Judith Mascolo by Teresa Tomeo as part of the live EWTN coverage of the March for Life on Saturday, January 29 at 2PM.
Our interview, which was very brief, was done immediately after the Verizon Center Mass. I estimate that it will be aired between 4:30 and 5PM EST tomorrow.
Go here to watch EWTN on your computer if you do not have the channel on TV.

Leticia's latest commentary published in National Right to Life News Today

2011-01-28T10:37:00.000-05:00

Leticia's recent commentary No More "Mental Retardation." So? was printed in yet another pro-life news website, National Right to Life News Today, a news resource of the National Right to Life Committee.

Her article is enhanced by the photographs taken by her talented daughter Gabriella at the 2011 March for Life in DC.

Why is replacing the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" not enough? Check out Leticia's commentary to read what she has to say about it.

KIDS events in DC on January 24, the March for Life

2011-01-22T22:39:00.002-05:00

Agenda for National Right to Life Committee Headquarters at 512 10th Street, Washington DC

10:45 - Melissa and Neil and their 2 beautiful children will be at NRLC by 10:45 to greet KIDS families.
11:00 KIDS families may start arriving.
11:00-11:30 - Leticia is meeting EWTN for an interview behind the stage of the March for Life at the Mall and 4th Street.
ALL KIDS members are welcome to join us and hold signs for the interview.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers will arrive at 12:15 for a brief update on her work on behalf of our children
Madame Valerie Guilloux of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation will address the group and present Congresswoman McMorris Rogers with a copy of "Life is a Blessing".
After a brief brunch, KIDS families will march!

Join us Monday to show your support for babies with Down syndrome and their right to be born!

We are marching in Washington on January 24; join us!

2011-01-06T22:26:00.001-05:00

For immediate release:
FAMILES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

TO MARCH TOGETHER IN THE 2011 MARCH FOR LIFE in D.C.

TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF ABORTING

BABIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME

KIDS (Keep Infants with Down Syndrome), a group comprised of families who have children with Down syndrome, will meet for the third year in a row and walk together in the 2011 March for Life in Washington, D.C.

DATE & TIME: Monday, January 24, 2011, 11:00 a.m. to Noon

LOCATION: National Right to Life Committee, 512 10th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

PURPOSE: Meet for refreshments prior to walking together in the 2011 March for Life

This event is open to individuals with Down syndrome and their families and friends.

KIDS aims to raise awareness about the tragic 90% abortion rate of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome, to challenge the misinformation that often leads mothers to abort their babies with Down syndrome, and to proclaim the joy their children bring to their families and communities!

Through the generosity of the National Right to Life Committee, we have a convenient location to congregate, just blocks from the start of the march, and sandwiches and refreshments to enjoy before we join the march.

For more information please contact Eileen Haupt or Leticia Velasquez.

Eileen Haupt Leticia Velasquez

802-899-4882 860-336-1835

vteileen@comcast.net marysjoys@yahoo.com

Why eliminating the r-word is not enough

2010-11-29T13:03:00.001-05:00

I wrote a piece about this in MercatorNet. Read it and let me know what you think.
Leticia

Why eliminating the term "retarded" is not enough

2010-11-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

It has been bothering me for years, and I finally wrote down my thoughts in an opinion piece at Renew America
The effort to ban the "r word" won't fundamentally change how our kids are treated until we do something about the 90% abortion rate.

Eileen at the taping of "Faith and Culture"

2010-11-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

On October 28, we met Colleen Carroll Campbell, presidential speechwriter, EWTN show host, and mother of one-year-old twins. We taped our show then met her babysitter, her mom and the EWTN crew. It was great fellowship among Catholics who are committed to spreading the Gospel of Life through the media.

Look for details on this blog about when the show airs next spring.

Why are there so few children with Down syndrome in my town?

2010-10-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

A reader from the Courier Journal asks this question and offers two new resources for women carrying a child with Down syndrome:Down Syndrome Pregnancy.org and the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
.Read more here;

On October 1,www.downsyndromepregnancy.org launched. This website provides a free downloadable book and an interactive blog for expectant mothers who have received a test result for Down syndrome and decided to continue their pregnancy. It shares information the authors have found helpful from their years of providing support to expectant mothers.

Also on October 1, the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network launched. This is a resource that maintains a list of more than 250 families from across the nation who are waiting to adopt a child with Down syndrome. Too often, this option is not known or offered to an expectant mother.

Spread these links around, so that they become the first sites to come up on Google when you do a Down syndrome search When a woman is facing a prenatal diagnosis, we want the good news to get out there!
Read the entire letter here.

I'll be on the Drew Mariani Show today

2010-10-22T10:57:00.000-04:00

At 6PM EST, the Drew Mariani Show, as part of their Marian Retreat In Mary's Hands, will be playing my story of "The Prayers of a Little Saint" from Mary's Touch Program on Catholic Radio International. Afterwards, Drew and I will discuss the story, and may even take calls. I look forward to telling you how much my daughter Christina with Down syndrome has taught me though her simple trust in Our Lady.

You can listen to the show live by clicking on this link.

KIDS in the Alhambra website

2010-10-18T16:29:00.000-04:00

I wrote an article on KIDS for the Alhambran newspaper, and here is their post online. The Alhambrans are a Catholic organization which serve the disabled, and several members attended our KIDS gathering before the March for Life.

What if someone stares at my sibling with Down syndrome?

2010-10-05T12:06:00.001-04:00

Eileen's article for Down syndrome Awareness Month

2010-10-05T11:57:00.000-04:00

Is over at National Right to Life News and Views.

Support Down syndrome research

2010-09-07T01:50:00.001-04:00

A message from Cathy McMorris Rogers on the 20th anniversary of the ADA

2010-07-26T20:57:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

Today, I join you in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was a landmark bill - one of the most important civil rights achievements in U.S. history - because it gave more than 50 million Americans the opportunity to live the American Dream.
One of those Americans is my son, Cole, who happened to be born with Down Syndrome.

When Cole was born 3 years ago, the disability community welcomed me and my family with open arms. With their friendship and support, I've found a new focus and passion for being a Member a Congress: To make sure that Cole – and all disabled Americans – have the best opportunities for education, employment, and independent living.

Today, I spoke on the House floor to recognize the ADA anniversary (click here to watch it). I also spoke at a press conference with some of the leaders of the original ADA law (including Sen. Tom Harkin, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, former Majority Whip Tony Coehlo, Rep. James Sensenbrenner, and Anthony Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities [AAPD]). At the press conference, we reaffirmed our commitment to fulfilling the promise of the ADA – not just expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, but also empowering them to lead independent, successful lives.

In related news, last week I had the privilege of addressing the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) National Convention. You can see my power point presentation – plus some of the highlights of my speech – at my new webpage, Down Syndrome Legislative Updates. Click here to view the page and let me know what you think.

Also, last Wednesday, I had the privilege of receiving the AAPD's "Justice for All Award." In my acceptance speech, I said that, "We've come a long way in 20 years, but we still have a long way to go. Let's use the ADA anniversary as inspiration for creating a 'more perfect union' for people with disabilities and all Americans."
I look forward to continuing to work with the disability community – a community I'm proud to be a part of - on the issues that are important to us. Thank you for your support, leadership, and friendship.

Best Wishes,

Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Member of Congress

Congratulations Rep McMorris Rogers

2010-07-20T23:03:00.001-04:00

McMorris Rodgers to Receive “Justice for All” Award by the Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Congratulations Congresswoman, you are a credit to your office! KIDS salutes you!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) will join business leaders and other Members of Congress to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Wednesday. As a leading advocate for people with disabilities, Rep. McMorris Rodgers will be recognized by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) with the “Justice for All” award for her outstanding leadership on the issue.

She will join the authors of the ADA and several other award recipients to help celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legistlation.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Awards Ceremony and 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

2010-07-09T20:12:00.000-04:00

Dave Andrusko covered the story about a new drug for prenatally testing Down syndrome that is on the horizon, and I was quoted in his post:

http://www.nrlc.org/News_and_Views/July10/nv070810part4.html

A few additional comments about the new test:

Although the chances of conceiving a baby with Down syndrome are greater the older a mother becomes, it is estimated that about 80 percent of babies with Down syndrome are actually born to mothers under the age of 35. This is because younger mothers are the ones having most of the babies.

Up until recently, prenatal testing was offered primarily to mothers 35 and older because of this greater "risk." However, in 2007, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) came out with new guidelines, recommending that ALL pregnant mothers be offered screening and diagnostic testing. This is now standard practice.

What this means is that previously, most of the babies with Down syndrome were "undetected" because they were being born to mothers younger than 35 who had not been offered prenatal testing. However, now that ALL women are being offered testing, many more babies WILL be "detected."

Still, invasive tests, such as amniocentesis and corionic villus sampling (CVS), are currently the only methods of definitively diagnosing Down syndrome prenatally. Many women decline these diagnostic tests because they carry a slight risk of miscarriage, a chance they are not willing to take. So there are probably still babies with Down syndrome being born who have not been "detected."

However, when this new diagnostic test comes on the scene, most mothers will most likely agree to testing. As a result, many more babies with Down syndrome will be "detected." And because Down syndrome will be definitively diagnosed much earlier in pregnancy, when abortion is less "complicated," many more mothers will also choose abortion.

The bottom line is that the large number of babies who would have been "undetected" and born will now become "detected" and aborted.

Of course, there is always the possibility that many mothers will decline this inexpensive, quick, accurate, non-invasive test; but that is unlikely. And it is also possible that once Down syndrome is diagnosed, many mothers will refuse an abortion. But the statistics tell us that the vast majority of mothers - currently about 90 percent - will choose abortion.

This new test is a death knell for babies with Down syndrome.

KIDS on "The Face of Pro-life"

2010-04-25T00:31:00.000-04:00

Leticia discusses plans to gather our KIDS families in Washington DC for the March for Life 2010 on "The Face of Pro-life TV Show".

KIDS featured in "The Alhambran"

2010-03-30T18:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks to members of The Order of Alhambra who attended the KIDS gathering before the March for Life, I was offrered an opportunity by editor Mike Carpenter, to write a feature article on the front page of their newsletter. They are a fraternal order of Catholic laymen who do charitable work for the developmentally disabled.
You can see a PDF version:
http://www.orderalhambra.org/The_Alhambran2010-03-04.pdf
Thank you for supporting the outreach of KIDS, and for all you do for our children.

Nice article about Down syndrome mentions KIDS

2010-03-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

Cari Jean wrote an article on HUB called "Aborting Down Syndrome Babies" in which she goes into detail about how pre-natal testing for Ds takes place and how the mothers are at the mercy of the negativity of the medical community when a baby with Trisomy 21 is discovered. Cari does offer hope however, quoting from National Right to Life News:

"There are also groups being formed, such as KIDS - Keep Infants with Down Syndrome, whose objective is to challenge the misinformation that often leads a mother to abort her child diagnosed to have Down Syndrome. KIDS was founded by Eileen Haupt and Leticia Velasquez, who both have daughters with Down syndrome. As Haupt said, "The one thing that prenatal testing cannot tell you is the unspeakable joy that your child with Down syndrome will give you."

Thank you for a well written article which explains the facts about Down syndrome fairly while descibing the plight of many expectant mothers at the hands of a medical community who do not understand the gift our children are to society.
Read the entire article here.

The Impact of KIDS

2010-02-24T21:24:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Dave Andrusko for covering our KIDS event, along with the AP article on genetic testing, in his NRLC News and Views column last week: The Impact of "KIDS" From the AP article:

"If a society is so willing to screen aggressively to find these genes and then to potentially have to abort the fetuses....what does that say about the value of the lives of those people living with the diseases?"

Indeed.

March for Life 2010 was a success!

2010-02-01T00:45:00.000-05:00

Thank you for those who attended our reception with Rep Cathy McMorris Rogers at the National Right to Life Committee headquarters on January 22nd. Cathy brought along her son Cole and spent about a half-hour visiting with our families. She spoke to us about legislation and issues affecting individuals with Down syndrome. We are grateful to Cathy for being our special guest at the KIDS event!

After the reception, we took to the streets with our banner, signs, and blue and yellow scarves and made an impression on the participants. It was a thrill be among the sea of pro-lifers in the March for Life. We were all proud to represent individuals with Down syndrome, raising awareness about the high abortion rate of these precious babies and sharing the joy our children bring to our lives.

We are very appreciateive of NRLC for inviting us to hold our event at their offices and for providing sandwiches and refreshments!

More photos later....

Time Change for KIDS Event - 10:30 a.m. !

2010-01-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

Because of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers' schedule, it is necessary to move the KIDS event on January 22nd to 10:30 a.m. Cathy will be with us from 10:30 to 11:00.

Hope to see you there!

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to Speak at KIDS Event

2010-01-11T00:20:00.002-05:00

We are thrilled to announce that Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers will join us at the KIDS event on January 22, prior to the March for Life! She will be with us from 11:00 to 11:30 at the offices of the National Right to Life Committee.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers represents the State of Washington's 5th district. She and her husband Brian have an almost-3-year-old son named Cole who has Down syndrome. She is a champion for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs in Congress. She is founder and co-chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus.

Cathy warmly welcomed a group of KIDS families to her office after last year's March for Life. We are blessed to have her advocating for our children in Congress. We are looking forward to seeing her again on January 22!

Save the Date!

2009-12-05T23:44:00.000-05:00

Save the date for our second annual gathering of KIDS families and friends! We will again meet at the offices of the National Right to Life Committee just prior to the 2010 March for Life in Washington, D.C., and then walk over together to join the March for Life. NRLC will generously provide sandwiches and refreshments before we head off to the March.

Individuals with Down syndrome, their families and friends, are invited to join us. Come and help raise awareness of the tragically high abortion rate of babies with Down syndrome and show support to individuals with Down syndrome, born and unborn.

Here are the essentials. Stay tuned for more information!
Date: Friday, January 22, 2010

Time: 11:00 a.m. to Noon

Place: Offices of the National Right to Life Committee

512 10th Street, NW, Washington D.C.

IDSC Interview with Reese's Rainbow

2009-11-17T09:35:00.000-05:00

Our friends at IDSC have posted Part I of their interview with Andrea Roberts of Reese's Rainbow. Reese's Rainbow assists families in adopting children with Down syndrome and other special needs from foreign countries. Read IDSC's interview with Andrea to find out more about this important ministry and how you can help.

We Are Not a Pro-Life Nation

2009-11-04T11:15:00.001-05:00

We Are Not a Pro-Life Nation
In this post at Creative Minority Report, Matthew says that a nation which aborts 92% of children with Down syndrome is NOT a pro-life nation, despite reports to the contrary. Dozens of readers agree with him.

We have a friend out there; Archbishop Chaput

2009-10-24T08:25:00.003-04:00

We have an articulate advocate out there; Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver. Last week, at an October 16 meeting of the Phoenix Catholic Physicians Guild, Archbishop Chaput had a lot to say about the importance of doctors supporting mothers who are expecting children with Down syndrome.
"In practice, medical professionals now can steer an expectant mother toward abortion simply by hinting at a list of the child’s possible defects. The most debased thing about this kind of pressure is that doctors know better than anyone else how vulnerable a woman can be when she hears potentially tragic news about her unborn baby.I’m not suggesting that doctors should hold back vital knowledge from parents. Nor should doctors paint an implausibly upbeat picture of life with a child who has disabilities. But doctors, genetic counselors, and medical school professors should have on staff—or at least on speed dial—experts of a different sort.
Parents of children with special needs, special education teachers and therapists, and pediatricians who have treated children with disabilities often have a hugely life-affirming perspective. Unlike prenatal caregivers, these professionals have direct knowledge of persons with special needs. They know their potential. They’ve seen their accomplishments. They can testify to the benefits of parental love and faith. Expectant parents deserve to know that a child with Down syndrome can love, laugh, learn, work, feel hope and excitement, make friends, and create joy for others. These things are beautiful precisely because they transcend what we expect. They witness to the truth that every child with special needs has a value that matters eternally."

Read his entire column at First Things.

We applaud this and hope that more doctors will look for those of us who love special needs children to be advocates for mothers under great pressure to abort their children. We know how much difference a bit of support can make at this crucial moment in their lives, this is the reason we formed KIDS.
It's nice to know we have a friend.

KIDS featured on the Among Women podcast

2009-10-21T09:16:00.003-04:00

Catholic Exchange columnist Pat Gohn interviewed me on her award winning Among Women podcast this week. It's number 30.

We discussed how I became active in the pro-life movement, and how having a daughter with Down syndrome made me create KIDS last year with Eileen.

Thank you Representative Chris Smith (R NJ)

2009-10-21T09:12:00.003-04:00

For recognizing the Appreciation Award from Keep Infants with Down Syndrome on your website.

You are an outstanding advocate for all unborn children, typical or disabled and we are proud to call you our friend.

A photo essay of our first March for Life January 2009

2009-10-20T14:20:00.012-04:00

Here are some photos we took in Washington last January 22, our first March for Life.

Top to bottom:

KIDS members meet our champion, Rep Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) founding member of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus. She is pro-life and promised to work with us to promote good legislation in Congress for our children. She has already succeeded in getting additional National Institute of Health funding for Down syndrome research.

Those in the photo are Anita Setran, Rep McMorris Rogers, Leticia (with Christina) and Eileen with Sadie.

Second from top; KIDS in the March for Life, on Constitution Avenue, heading towards the Capitol Building.

Third from top; more photos of us marching, didn't Eileen come up with a great logo? She also chose the blue and yellow starred scarves we are all wearing.

Fourth from top; Rep McMorris Rogers greets Sadie, Eileen's daughter at Blogs for Life at the Family Research Council Jan 22, 2009

Bottom photo; Senator Brownback whom I write about here and here greets my daughter Christina at Blogs for Life 2009. We gave both Senator Brownback and Rep McMorris Rogers KIDS appreciation awards for their speaking out for the unborn who have Down syndrome. Senator Brownback sponsored the "Prenatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act" providing education on Down syndrome, and referrals to adoption agencies and support groups for pregnant moms faced with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome or other disability.

We met our fellow KIDS members at the National Right to Life Center downtown Washington, DC. Click here for an article and photo in National Right to Life News.

Welcome to KIDS!

2009-10-20T00:14:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our KIDS (Keep Infants with Down Syndrome) blog! Leticia Velasquez and I, both mothers of daughters with Down syndrome, formed KIDS last year so that families of children with Down syndrome could meet and walk together in the 2009 March for Life.

Our purpose was to raise awareness of the high incidence of abortion after a positive diagnosis of Down syndrome. It is estimated that about 90% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in utero are aborted.

We had a great reasponse to our event, and we plan on attending the March for Life in D.C. in 2010. In the meantime, Leticia and I are working toward making this an official organization so that we can advocate for all individuals with Down sydnrome, both born and unborn.