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 – Adaptive Surfing Champion Helps People With Disabilities Surf And Skateboard
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Jesse Billauer, whose spinal cord was severed in a surfing accident when he was only 17-years-old. Jesse is the founder of the Life Rolls On Foundation which provides people with spinal cord injuries and...
Spotlight: Mother of Eight Helps Provide Creative Opportunities For Children With Special Needs
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Julie Lyles Carr who has two daughters with special needs. Julie is the founder of 2 Dance 2 Dream, a non-profit that provides inclusive and meaningful dance, performance and art opportunities for...
Double Mastectomy Survivor Supports Breast Cancer Patients’ Recovery
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Angela Grojean who underwent a double mastectomy in 2018. During her recovery Angela received a hoodie with inside pockets that held her post surgery drain tubes securely and comfortably. Today Angela...
Spotlight – Dr. Haidi Demain Helps Keep Kids With Severe Food Allergies Safe At School
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Dr. Haidi Demain, the founder of Allergy Safe Kids (ASK): a non-profit that trains school nurses and teachers to recognize and treat severe food allergies. Dr. Demain started ASK shortly after her...
Spotlight – Mother Whose 3-Year-Old Drowned Becomes Water Safety Advocate
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Nicole Hughes, the founder of Water Guardians (Levi’s Legacy), a non-profit dedicated to preventing childhood drowning and teaching water safety. Nicole says she is turning her anger and grief into...
Melanie Goldring Helps Empower Young Diabetics Across The World
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Melanie Goldring, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just before her 12th birthday. As a teen she volunteered at AYUDA (American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad) as a mentor in the Dominican...
Spotlight – NYU Doctor Raises Awareness Of Autoimmune Encephalitis
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Dr. Helen Egger, a co-founder of The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance. Dr. Egger’s son Sasha was first diagnosed with AE when he was 13. The rare and difficult to diagnose illness is often...
Spotlight – USC Professor Inspires People With Mental Health Challenges
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Dr. Ruth White, who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when she was 40. In addition to teaching at USC, Ruth is a speaker, blogger and the author of several books including “Bipolar 101.” A2A Spotlight...
Spotlight – Former Georgetown Football Player Helps Washingtonians Transition Out Of Poverty
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Darius Baxter, co-founder of GOOD Projects, a community based nonprofit whose mission is to help youth and their families live free of poverty and violence. Baxter, whose father was murdered when he was...
Spotlight – Bereaved Father Helps Save Lives By Creating Greater Awareness Of The Dangers Of Recreational Drugs
KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Ross Friedman, who lost his 27-year-old son Greg after his usage of the drug ecstasy. Ross Friedman and his family started the GPF Foundation in an effort to save lives by supporting education and...
A2A Spotlight Features
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