A GIRL’S BIRTHDAY WISH

“October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and I’d like to share a story of friendship,love, and support between two very special girls who are BFF’s.

My daughter Faith, is a fun loving, happy, sassy, energetic 9 year old, who happens to have Down Syndrome. Her best friend is Courtney, who is caring, loving serious, dramatic, enthusiastic, and truly a one of a kind friend, that happens to NOT have Down Syndrome.

Although Courtney is 12, they are more alike than different. They are both cheerleaders, they both like hanging out together, they both like movies, swimming and trampoline. They both attend the same elementary school, Faith in 3rd grade and Courtney in 6th grade.

Faith supports Courtney in many ways, as a best friend would. She attends Courtney’s cheer events, and enjoys playdates with her. They jump on the trampoline together and love to listen to music together. Faith has even been known to cheer Courtney up when she is feeling blue.

Courtney supports Faith in many ways, as a best friend would. She sits with Faith on the school bus, she attends Faith’s Special Olympics events, talks to Faith on the phone, and often has play-dates with Faith. They take “selfies” and posts them on Instagram.

Courtney is an amazing friend, supporter, and advocate for Faith. She recently had her 12th birthday party and asked for donations to GiGi’s Playhouse in lieu of personal gifts. She is such a cool kid, who is spreading the word and truly educating her community about Down Syndrome. Her community caring contributions come quite natural for her.

These typical peer relationships and inclusion in school, benefit all, and are so very important in spreading awareness to the community.

We feel blessed to have Courtney and her family in our lives.”

#GiGiBelieves #BeTheChange

-Terri DiPaolo (Mother of Faith DiPaolo)