Donate Through Amanda’s 3/21 Pledge Page Here!
When I had Ella and the doctors whispered, “We suspect she has Down syndrome,” I remember feeling a world of grief for what “I expected” for my daughter to become in the world. There were so many messages of “she may not be able to…” listed with her diagnosis that it felt like people had already shut the door on her opportunities, before she was even a few days old.
As we got our feet wet and began learning about Down syndrome, we realized how many outdated stigmas had been presented to us, and how hard our new community is working to provide so many more opportunities for children and adults with Down syndrome. Upon advisement of a good friend, I began following Kelle Hampton on Facebook and Instagram. She and Liz held the 3/21 Pledge right before Ella’s first birthday. I remember feeling, “These people get me – they are working with something that I can get behind.”
From that day forth, my mourning that Ella would “never get to go to college” was over. College is important. Beyond the academic piece, there is the piece of being on your own for the first time. Every college-aged student is learning about themselves and how to not always rely on mom and dad. SO many universities are beginning to see that people of all abilities can and should be provided those opportunities to balance learning, independence and fun. Ruby’s Rainbow has become that bridge, to inspire young adults with Down syndrome not only to dream about college, but to earn a scholarship to attend the university of their choice!
So, some years ago, I was upset that my daughter would not be afforded the opportunity to go to college. Now I am saying, Dream big, little one, because the programs will only be better as you get older! (Just maybe consider staying close to home so we won’t miss you too much!!)