From Down syndrome to Up Syndrome

by Kristie Sammons, Site Coordinator

                                                                                                                        Megan O’Halloran is an amazing young woman who has proven that Down syndrome doesn’t have to live up to its name. Megan shares her story about having Trisomy 21 with us in her book titled Up Syndrome: It’s all about the attitude (Redefining Down Syndrome).  We are delighted to host her for a talk and book signing as part of our First Anniversary Celebration on July 28, 2018 from 3-5pm.

I recently spoke with her mother, Michelle Abner, to see what inspired Megan to write the book and where her love of writing began.

Like so many success stories that we hear, Megan’s all began with a teacher. Megan began journaling when she was just 13 years old.  One of her home school teachers required her to write something every day.  Megan’s teacher did not focus on spelling or grammar, instead, she just wanted Megan to put her thoughts on paper.

Megan’s Uncle Rick also proved to be instrumental in bringing her story to life. Once while visiting her Aunt and Uncle, Megan wrote and left behind two of her writings. Several years later, her Uncle Rick found them and was so touched by her writings that he carried them around in his briefcase for nearly 10 years. When Rick retired, he found the writings again and showed them to Megan.  He told her that she should write a book because she could express herself so well.  Megan didn’t want to do it.  She hated the phrase “Down Syndrome”.  Megan’s family is not sure who thought of the phrase “Up Syndrome,” but as soon as they decided on this title, Megan started writing her book.

It took her over four years to complete “Up Syndrome.”  The entire family cheered her on, and Uncle Rick even gave her $100 to finish.  They purposefully did not edit the book except for the spelling because they wanted readers to capture Megan’s inner beauty.  Once the book was complete, Megan worked on the cover design.  She picked the design because it had a branch and she felt she was branching out.

Upon publishing “Up Syndrome,” her family had a party to celebrate.  About 50 family and friends came and each one got a book.  Megan signed every copy.  Megan’s employer, Winn Dixie, also had a book signing party for her.  Over 100 neighbors came to have Megan sign their books.  Book sales raised over $2000, and every dollar was donated to the National Down Syndrome Association.

Since the book has been published, Megan has been a guest speaker at numerous book clubs and schools.  Once again, the family is begging Megan to write another book about her life as an adult, and her new marriage to her long-time beau, Casey O’Halloran.

Please join us at GiGi’s Playhouse on July 28, 2018 from 3-5pm as we welcome Megan as our special guest at our First Anniversary Celebration. She will be speaking and doing a book signing.  Copies of “Up Syndrome” will be available at the Playhouse for purchase at the event.

You may RSVP to the Anniversary Celebration here: https://gigisplayhouse.org/fortmyers/event/1st-anniversary-celebration/