Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.
PALS Magic. This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging.
At PALS, we aim to create inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome to form meaningful connections and build lifelong memories. Achieving this mission requires intentional efforts to foster a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every participant, volunteer, and staff member.
PALS is committed to increasing access to our programs so that more people from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to experience the magic of PALS. However, in order to do this, it is important that we consider not only one identity such as gender or race, but other identities such as age, class, religion, and combinations of these identities and other identities and their impacts as we grow.
A group of students from Salesianum School, in Delaware, created fundraising pages for PALS and raised $2,495. Thank you so much to Kian, Evan, Ryan, Dylan, Connor, Abel, and Joseph for your fundraising efforts! We asked them to reflect on their experience and why they decided to fundraising for PALS as high school students. Here is what Connor and Kian shared on behalf of the group.
In May 2020 PALS made a public statement on Black Lives Matter. It has been over a year since I posted that blog and it is time to share an update. Our work at PALS to build a more equitable and inclusive organization goes far beyond a public statement, and as we mark some progress we also know we have so far to go.
BY CHRIS LOPES
PALS Participant
We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. PALS participant Chris Lopes responded with the following:
“I can be myself, and I always feel accepted.”
Dear PALS Family,
I’ve been going to PALS since 2017, when I did PALS New Jersey. Since then, I’ve done PALS New York and PALS Holiday two times! My friend, Joey, told me about PALS – it was life changing! I’ve met so many friends, with and without Down syndrome, by going to PALS. At PALS, I can be myself, and I always feel accepted.
One of my favorite PALS activities is PALS Olympics… that magic moment when we are all connected as friends. I also love being myself, dressing up in the fashion show, and of course, karaoke. I really love everything about PALS! My favorite memory was getting to know Carson when we bonded over our favorite TV shows and our favorite songs. We both love DC shows!
I think everyone should be involved with PALS, because when you are there, you are included and have so much fun meeting new friends and making memories. The friendships I’ve made through PALS continue after the program. I love to text, Facetime, or Zoom with my buddies from PALS.
PALS helps show the world that people with Down syndrome deserve to be included and are good friends. I’m so thankful and happy to be able to be a part of PALS.
PALS love,
Chris Lopes ❤️
