Voices from our community

I have a delicious 22-month-old son who has Down syndrome. I know I should have reached out to you sooner to tell you this – DSAU did an amazing job with awareness. I used to read it as a teenager. As devastated as I was to receive the diagnosis by my 20-week sonogram, I knew that although Down syndrome feels like the biggest tragedy in the beginning, these kids are extremely lovable and loved and bring so much light into their family's lives. Honestly, I believe that all that I read years ago in that magazine saved my sanity during those agonizing months before my baby was born. So, THANK YOU for your amazing hard work! It is doing a tremendous service to many people. Keep it up!

It is hard for me to describe the unbelievable inspiration and support that your magazine has given me. A kind woman gave me all the old issues she had since her daughter's birth years ago. I devoured each magazine - every article, poem, interview, quote was a gem and a balm for my heart. I was having such a difficult time dealing with the birth of our baby with Down syndrome and ached to gain peace of mind and perspective. Your magazine provided just that and more - with wisdom, honesty, humor, and positivity.

I just had a GREAT READ and want to share my appreciation and gratitude with you!! Dr. Glicksman's essay was spot on - and whatever I will say about yours, will do it UNJUSTICE!

Our new baby with Down syndrome is ten weeks old, and we already love her to pieces! My 18-year-old daughter recently heard about a family she knows that had a baby with Down syndrome. Her immediate response was, 'Oh, I'm so happy for them!' She genuinely meant it because she views it as such a Blessing for the family. The credit goes to you for helping change society's attitude toward the Down syndrome population.

I remember one particular article that struck me. A mother wrote that 'the morning after her DS child was born, she wanted to stay under her covers hoping it was all just a bad dream.' I felt so seen and understood. It helped me realize that it was okay to feel that way. Around that time, another mother offered me more copies of the magazine. The next few weeks found me leafing through one article after the next. Seeing the pictures of all the beautiful children and knowing there were so many other mothers like me and children like my son, opened my heart. Watching how they were cherished, loved and adored gave me hope that we can do this for our tzaddik!

You opened the eyes of the community to the fact that children with special needs are just that—children who happen to have special needs. You modeled for parents that their children are adorable, possess unique strengths, and deserve to be seen, celebrated, and acknowledged just like their other children.

I know we can't really imagine how much time, energy, money, and sleepless nights were spent through the years. What we do know is the impact you have made!

I gained so much from the magazine. I learned so many parenting tips, gained much acceptance of others, and developed awareness, each time I savor the pages of your magazine.