#GenerationG in the 843  

Meet The Rogers: How One Lowcountry Family is Redefining Limits in the Down Syndrome Community

#GenerationG is a worldwide movement that goes beyond Down syndrome and sends a global message of ACCEPTANCE for all. The core values of the #GenerationG movement are to be ACCEPTING, be GENEROUS, and be KIND! Each month, we will feature a story about individuals in our local Charleston community who represent those values.

The Rogers Family at the Cooper River Bridge Run

Much like running a marathon, the journey of Down syndrome is ultimately one of resilience, love, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. For many of the mothers in the community, we often seek guidance from those who walk (or in this case run!) the path before us.  This month we are featuring a uniquely-inspirational family. The Rogers Family, who serve as a monumental influence to many local members of the Charleston Down Syndrome Community, as they run marathons with their daughter, Julia.

Professor Kathleen Rogers recalls her first encounter with Down syndrome, “It was through my colleague and friend Alison Piepmeier, who was Director of Women’s and Gender Studies at the College of Charleston, where I work, and a tireless advocate for her daughter Maybelle (who has Down syndrome). When Julia was born, I was terrified that I would not be able to advocate for her the way that Alison had advocated for Maybelle. As I grew to know and love her, though, and I saw the privileges I have, I decided that:

1. I wanted to raise money for inclusion, and
2. I wanted her to have many opportunities for socialization outside of school as well.” 

And leveraging privileges is just what’s she’s done! “One thing I do is run,” as a National Down Syndrome Society Athlete Ambassador- Professor Kathleen represents NDSS at races, her biggest race being the New York Marathon in 2022! She’s raised $8000 for NDSS, to date, which they use to lobby for the right to an inclusive education, the right to an inclusive community, and other universal human rights, like organ transplants. Professor Rogers clarifies that she does not want or need to “cure” Down Syndrome, rather she sees a need to make this world better for those with it! Other extra activities Julia participates in are therapeutic horseback riding (at CATR), Special Olympics (swimming and cheer) and Best Buddies at the College of Charleston. 

Director of Medical Humanities and Professor of English department, Kathleen is committed to advocacy work, particularly in disability rights. She has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting inclusivity both on and off campus. Through her tireless efforts, she has helped to create a more supportive and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities. Teaching her first Introduction to Disability Studies Class this past fall, she hopes to institute a certificate in Disability Studies for our students.  Ben Rogers has also become involved with Racers for Pacers, and he pushes Julia in many local races (replete with lights and music). Julia has been running the last 1/2 a mile and is training to do the James Island Kids Triathlon, where she will swim 200 yards, run one mile, and bike 3 1/2 miles.

Julia Rogers (left) with mother Kathleen Rogers (right) at Sharing Hope SC, representing NDSS