“Your child has Down syndrome” written by Playhouse Mom, Cheryl Byrne

My heart is full as October and Down Syndrome Awareness have come to a close.  October was amazing! There is one word I am taking with me…..community.  

In 2011, holding my newborn, I felt so alone.  In 2023, I no longer feel alone! My community is strong….OUR community is connected.  

Community is a big word and comes in many different forms…..family, friendships, and shared experiences to name a few. If you are lucky enough, community is where you call home. I would like to take a few moments to talk about my Apex community.  

On Tuesday, October 10, the Apex community honored our residents who have Down syndrome with an official proclamation declaring October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Apex. Thanks to our friends at GiGi’s Playhouse, eight families gathered together for this presentation. In unity, our Town Council and Mayor read the proclamation for our Apex residents who have Down syndrome. Each attendee was presented with a copy of the official proclamation.   

Our Apex residents who have Down syndrome benefit from the support and love of their community. Apex is a community who says “yes you can!” We are blessed to live in a community who accepts everyone for who they are!!  

I am humbled by the support of our Mayor, Jacques Gilbert, the Apex Town Council, and GiGi’s Playhouse.  It was an honor to receive the proclamation on behalf of those with Down syndrome and their families. My voice will always speak for OUR community. We are strong, we are resilient, we are the voices who say “yes you can!”