San Diego Down Syndrome. Org
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Leslie
San Diego Down Syndrome. Org
12222-a Woodside Ave Ste 238
Lakeside, CA 92040
jleslie@sandiegodownsyndrome.org
The National Down Syndrome Society and San Diego Down Syndrome. Org. Celebrate the Acceptance and Inclusion of
People with Down Syndrome this October.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month is marked by national programs to promote awareness for the abilities and achievements of those with Down syndrome.
San Diego – October 1, 2011. This October, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and San Diego Down Syndrome. Org invite people everywhere to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in recognition of the many abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. The life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. One in every 691 live births is a baby born with Down syndrome, and it is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Due to recent advancements, people with Down syndrome can, and do, live healthy and fulfilling lives- they attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
Since October of 1981, the Down syndrome community has been celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month. San Diego marks this month with the return of fantastic programming to promote awareness for the abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome.
“It’s very important to raise awareness and make a difference for people with Down syndrome by participating in a Buddy Walk. The focus is not on our disabilities, but on our abilities that count,” said Actor and NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke. “At the Buddy Walk, we all walk together.”
Burke has also participated in the My Great Story campaign, which seeks to ignite a new way of thinking about people with Down syndrome by showcasing and collecting inspirational stories told by people with Down syndrome as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, employers and many others. San Diego residents are encouraged to submit their stories, which are displayed in a beautiful online storybook.
The campaign has garnered strong visibility in a profound timeframe. To date, over $6 million has been donated in national and regional ad space and services, and there have been over 225 million impressions across the country. The campaign has had placements in publications such as Allure, Fortune, Golf Digest, The New Yorker, Newsweek, Time, Vogue and Wired, among other noteworthy outlets. The My Great Story campaign has attracted other types of media as well, including placements in bars, airports, checkout counters and hospital patient and waiting rooms.
About Buddy Walk
Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 Walks to over 250 Buddy Walk events taking place in cities across the country and in select international locations.
To learn more, visit www.buddywalk.org or click here to find a Buddy Walk near you.
About My Great Story
MGS was created pro-bono by NY based Ad Agency, Pedone. After 14 months of market analysis the Pedone team developed a campaign in an effort to shape the future for all people with Down syndrome. The online story book was developed by CT based Interactive Agency York and Chapel, who spent over 12 months developing the user friendly technology, sophisticated design and esthetics. Two of the stories in the collection have been turned into print ads, shot by photographer Zachary Scott. A 30-second public service announcement featured the campaign stars TV Hosts Nancy O’Dell and Meredith Vieira, and Actors John C. McGinley and Chris Burke.
To learn more, visit www.ndss.org/stories.
San Diego Down Syndrome sponsors events and activities in San Diego County as well as supports families involved with individuals with Down Syndrome.
www.sandiegodownsyndrome.org
About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization representing the more than 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome. The mission of NDSS is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming community. NDSS has over 350 affiliates nationwide.
To learn more about NDSS, visit www.ndss.org.
Click here to download the PDF version.
Here are some links you might find helpful in reaching out to both the press and your members this Down Syndrome Awareness Month:
Buddy Walk Website
My Great Story Website
My Great Story E-Media Kit
Chris Burke: My Great Story
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
National Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway
New York, New York 10012
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