I am a recent board member for a non-profit organization called Samantha's Harvest. This is a small organization that raises awareness and funds for people with Down Syndrome.
Ever since I was little, I had a passion for children who had down syndrome. I found myself constantly being gravitated to students who had special needs. In college, I did a lot of research to further my understanding of the syndrome. It has always fascinated me so when I was asked by a friend to join the board I did not hesitate!
The organization started when a friend of mine gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Samantha. Samantha was born with down syndrome. Prenatal testing which included level III ultrasound and fetal echo cardiogram failed to detect any abnormalities in the development of the baby. At 2 days old, Sam was diagnosed with Down syndrome and at 9 days old it was discovered she would soon require open heart surgery to correct an A/V canal heart defect.
Today, Samantha is a healthy, active, beautiful little girl full of personality. The organizations goals are to raise money so students with Down Syndrome can attend college. We have many events coming up and I urge you to check out the website. http://www.samanthasharvest.org/scholar.html
Kacie...
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! I'm amazed that the markers for Downs weren't detected before birth for your friend. I think this can usually be done through an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling while still in utero, if I'm not mistaken. Though, I suppose if her pregnancy did not show any risks or anything necessitating those tests, then it might make more sense.
At any rate, I can't remember offhand from our week one introductions, are you a special ed. teacher? I am, and always appreciate a kindred spirit :) I feel much the same way about kids with Aspberger's Syndrome and high-functioning Autism.
I will definitely check out the website.
Gina C.
I am a special ed. Teacher! However, I will be teaching regular ed. in the fall. I feel like I'm in for a huge awakening. Thanks for checking out the website. I was also amazed that the markers weren't detected.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the transition next year!!! What grade/grades will you be teaching??? It's a big shift, but I have always thought that we special educators are far more successful in transitioning to general ed. than general ed. teachers who transition to special ed. It's just a totally different mindset, and with the focus on differentiation and IEPs and 504 plans and each child's individual needs, it definitely makes it easier for us to address that in a general ed. class. I'm sure you'll do great!!!
ReplyDeleteI am using this piece as my paper for week 5. Any suggestions??
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