Update: 2017 Rockin’ Recipient Isabelle Ketchum!

You guys, there’s only one thing better than getting an update from a recipient…and that’s getting it IN PERSON!! My heart was soaring yesterday as Isabelle Ketchum was in town visiting friends and we got to meet for lunch Maudie’s TEX-MEX. She got the Maudie’s Award in 2017 (a higher scholarship amount) and we met with the Maudie’s crew who have been one of our biggest supporters from the beginning❤️Ruby was so excited all day waiting to meet her, and insisted that Isabelle sit by her. It was the sweetest thing, y’all. Ruby is starting to understand a little about what we do for other people with Down syndrome and was so proud to have her here. And let me tell you…WE were proud to have her here! I really and truly geek out over getting to hang out with our recipients, they are like celebrities to me and my family and bring my heart so much joy. Isabelle reports that she is loving the college life at Elmhurst College in their ELSA program. She lives in the dorm with a roommate and says the only thing she misses so far about being away from home is privacy ???? She is studying Special Education and her fave part so far is meeting new people.

Her dream is to someday open a “no-cost school for abandoned children.” She told me she loves writing music about women empowerment, bullying and imperfections, but one of her favorite songs she has ever written was called “Talk to Me.” It is about her having Down syndrome, but wanting the world to know she is just like everyone else❤️Her advise to someone headed to college? “At times it might be scary, but the more you get used to it the more comfortable you will be.” I asked her mom what she thought was one of the most important things they did with Isabelle growing up to help with her independence and she said “We never raised Izzy like she was a child with Ds and we always tried to never make decisions based out of fear.” She also said to try not to get defensive about things, it is our job to educate. She said when people come up to her and ask, “Does your daughter have Down syndrome?” she will say, “Why, yes she does. And she also has blue eyes.” ❤️❤️

Keep on rockin’ it Izzy!! We are SO proud of you!

#rockinrecipientsrule #lifewithrubydoobs #downsyndromerocks