Down Syndrome
Welcome to the A2A Down Syndrome Advocacy Resource Center (ARC), an outreach project of the nonprofit Adversity 2 Advocacy Alliance, aiming to help individuals impacted by Down syndrome step into Down syndrome advocacy.
We hope you’ll be inspired by our A2A Advocates impacted by Down syndrome, and we invite you to listen to our A2A Spotlight features and A2A 1-on-1 interviews sharing powerful stories of how individuals impacted by Down syndrome are turning adversity into advocacy.
While you’re here, we hope you’ll join our Down Syndrome Messages of Hope campaign. Give hope. Get hope. All in 30 seconds. And if you’re interested in sharing YOUR story with the help of one of our professional journalists, let us know!
Oh, and please be sure to add your name to our Wall of Allies, so you can show your support for our advocates. If you’d like, we’ll also send you our free monthly e-newsletter.
Meet our A2A Advocates
Spotlight: Stephen Puibello
A2A Alliance founder Jeff Bell speaks with A2A Advocate Stephen Puibello, a survivor of HIV, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, about his commitment to raise awareness of all three challenges. To learn more about Stephen, please click HERE.
Liz McIngvale
Liz McIngvale Adversity: Diagnosed with severe OCD in her teens Advocacy: Created Peace of Mind Foundation to support others with OCD ...
Clint Malarchuk
Clint Malarchuk Adversity: Diagnoses of depression and PTSD Advocacy: Working to eliminate the stigma of mental illness. "Speaking honestly about my battles is almost like a nationwide support group for me. It gives me fuel to keep moving forward and to...
The Sugermans
Mike & Janice Sugerman Adversity: Paralysis Advocacy: Sharing their stories to help other families "We didn’t choose advocacy. Advocacy chose us. We wrote a Facebook entry about Mike’s recent paralysis and got 500 responses about how brave we were to...
Dr. Zachary Burton
Dr. Zachary Burton Adversity: Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder with psychosis Advocacy: Co-founded and leads The Manic Monologues to disrupt stigma; serves with various mental health nonprofits "We lean on the brutally and beautifully unashamed, raw power...
Spotlight – Bill Bernat Uses Humor To Normalize Mental Illness
After a lifelong struggle with mental illness, Bill Bernat used his background in stand-up comedy to return to the stage with a new mission: to share his mental health journey and make people laugh at the same time. Now Bill uses storytelling and public workshops to...
Spotlight – Rex Butler Helps Prevent Prescription Drug Overdoses After His Brother’s Death
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Rex Butler, whose younger brother Bill died of an accidental overdose of medication prescribed for his chronic back pain. After being trained by the National Safety Council Advocacy Program, Rex began...
Spotlight – Norma Loeb Provides Resources and Support for People Living with LBD
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Norma Loeb, whose mother Lillian suffered from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) for 18 years and was misdiagnosed multiple times. Loeb is the founder of the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center which provides...
Spotlight – Sex Trafficking Survivor Helps Other Victims Build New Lives
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Susan Munsey, who was trafficked by a much older boyfriend when she was fifteen. Munsey is the founder of the non-profit GenerateHope, which provides housing, medical care, therapy and education for...
Spotlight – Harvard Grad Helps First Generation College Students Succeed
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Due Quach, founder of the non-profit The Collective Success Network. The organization supports first generation college students who experience culture shock. Prior to settling in Philadelphia, Due and...
Spotlight – Spoken Word Poet LeDerick Horne Empowers People With Disabilities
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Le Derick Horne, who was diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade. A2A Spotlight · Spoken Word Poet LeDerick Horne Empowers People With Disabilities Today Horne is a disability advocate,...
A2A Spotlight Features
Spotlight – Carissa Carroll
A2A Spotlight feature on Carissa Carroll, as heard on KCBS and other CBS Radio News affiliates A2A Alliance founder Jeff Bell spotlights Carissa Carroll and her "Jack's Basket" project, supporting parents of babies born with Down syndrome To learn more about...
A2A Spotlight: Maggie McKelvey
A2A feature on Maggie McKelvey as heard on KCBS Radio: A2A Spotlight: A2A Founder Jeff Bell speaks with Maggie McKelvey about raising a child with Down syndrome and her determination to become an advocate for other families like hers. To learn more about Ava's...