Eileen Haupt Writes a Response to the Today Show on Prenatal Testing

She does a wonderful job of saying what impact the language of prenatal testing does to our perception of Down syndrome when she says,   

It pains me to hear Down syndrome talked about in such a negative light, especially on a show that millions of people will watch and come away with the idea that Down syndrome is something they are fortunate to be “safe” from.

Congratulations Eileen on a moving and timely response to the Today Show. I hope it is read far and wide. 

Read the entire article at National Right to Life News.

KIDS photo makes the Washington Post!

This photo of Eileen Haupt's hand holding our KIDS sign made it to the religion blog at the Washington Post.
Thanks for leading KIDS on the March for Life this year, Eileen, while I was ill with the flu.

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers will speak at KIDS gathering

We are excited to share that Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers will again join us at the KIDS gathering prior to the March for Life in D.C. on January 25, 2013.  She will be speaking at 11:00 a.m.

Please see previous post for details of the KIDS event.  If readers of this blog know of anyone who is going to the March for Life who has a family member or friend with Down syndrome, please let them know of this event!

KIDS Gathering at 2013 March for Life in DC

It's that time of year again!  The 5th annual Keep Infants with Down Syndrome (KIDS) gathering will take place prior to the March for Life in Washington, DC.  Here are the details:

Date:   Friday, January 25, 2013
Time:  10:30 a.m. - Noon
Place:  National Right to Life Committee HQ
            512 10th Street, NW, Washington, DC



This event is open to individuals with Down syndrome and their families and friends.  NRLC generously provides a place for us to meet that is close to the start of the march, and also provides sandwiches and refreshments.  For the past 4 years we have been honored to have Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers as our special guest.  Cathy is the mother of a little boy named Cole, who has Down syndrome, and she is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus.  At this time, we are not sure whether she will be joining us, but we will update this blog when we know.

Around noon, for those who would like to join us in the march, we will head out as a group to join the other several hundred thousand marchers at the National Mall. 

Out of all the thousands and thousands of groups that are represented in the march, KIDS may be the only organization that represents a group of people who are specifically sought out and targeted for abortion--namely, unborn babies with Down syndrome. 

If you have Down syndrome or have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, please join us so that we will be well represented at the March for Life!  Signs will be provided.  (It would be helpful to contact either Eileen or Leticia to let us know that you plan on attending.  Please see the e-mail links on the right sidebar.)

Clara Gaymard Lejeune, Daughter of Dr Jerome Lejeune speaks at The Magnificat Day of Faith

E:60 - Perfect little girl with Down syndrome; Paisley White

Good news from Rep Cathy McMorris Rodgers!

We at KIDS have a special relationship with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, she is our advocate for our children in Washington. She founded the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus for this purpose, and we support her efforts.

Here is her latest accomplishment, which will advance research which can benefit those with T21.

Leticia

I’m excited to share some great news with you: Last week , the House passed my bill with Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) to advance research into pediatric disorders such as Down syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Our bill – HR 6163, the National Pediatric Research Network Act (NPRNA) - will create research networks focused on pediatric diseases, giving new hope to millions of Americans who suffer from these conditions and their families. As a mom whose child has special needs, I know that, far too often, research into pediatric disorders lags behind research into other medical conditions. For example, while children represent about 20 percent of the U.S. population, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) uses only about 5 percent of its extramural funds on pediatric research. In addition, studies have shown that one of the most effective ways to increase collaboration for medical discovery is through organized research networks. Unfortunately, since pediatric diseases can be relatively rare in certain communities, research is often limited to single-site research studies, which can be inefficient in finding potential treatments and cures. That’s why our bill is so important: It will take pediatric research to the next level by authorizing NIH to establish up to 20 pediatric research networks, enhancing collaboration among medical researchers, and giving new hope for medical breakthroughs. I want to thank my friends in the disabilities community for all their work to get my bill passed through the House. Now we need the Senate to join us and take action soon. To learn more about my bill, click here . To watch my House floor speech advocating for the bill, please click here . Thank you for your interest in this issue. As always, feel free to contact me about any issue you care about. Warm regards,