The Mighty Logo

'Better With You' Highlights Families of Kids With Down Syndrome

The most helpful emails in health
Browse our free newsletters

It’s hard to believe this is the third photo series for the Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society. What began as a calendar fundraiser to help programs and initiatives for families in our area, has grown into a voice for children and adults with Down syndrome.

father hugging daughter with Down syndrome, daughter is closing her eyes, enjoying the hug, dad is happy and smiling. Daughter seems to be a teenager or young adult.

After two years of hugely successful projects entitled, “31 Days, 31 Faces” and “See Me,” I present: “Better With You.”

Two brothers hugging. Older brother has Down syndrome and kissing younger brother on forehead. Little brother is closing his eyes, letting the love in, and hugging his brother tight.

After floating a few concepts for this year’s calendar, I received an email from a one of the moms who participated in last year’s project. She presented me with some challenging thoughts, and from this, I decided it was time to see the families around these babies, children and adults. Who supports them? Loves them? Embraces them? Their families.

Family of four, mom and dad at the ends, sister kissing brother with Down syndrome who is smiling big and happy

Thank you Katrina for pushing my thoughts in a different direction. I dedicate this year’s project to Seamus.

A family riding bikes, mom and dad at the end and son with Down syndrome in the middle.

Over the past three months, I personally visited 35 homes between the Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo areas to catch a small glimpse into these families lives. Nothing planned. Just their space, their family and their love. That is all I ever need. A hug, a swing, a wagon ride, a pet, a running race, a kiss. The simple, every day things we all do with our families.

Girls with down syndrome sitting between her borters, She is leaning her head on one of her brother's shoulders

I know my life is better knowing these families and their children. That I know for sure.

Brother and sister. They both smile at camera, brother with down syndrome is on top of sister.

My hope for this project is to continue to push toward a change in the attitudes commonly presented around children and adults with Down syndrome. Challenge yourself. Challenge those around you. This is the world I want to live in.

Siblings hugging. Brother has Down syndrome, both are happy.

This was by far my most ambitious project yet. I want to thank the Board and the members of the WRDSS for their support on this year’s project. Your willingness to participate and get behind these initiatives means the world to me.

Mom with two daughters, one of them has Down syndrome

Thank you to Katie Herron for being such a wonderful friend and advocate for children with Down syndrome. You have inspired me since the day Caleb came into this world and this project would never be in my life if it weren’t for you.

Boy with Down syndrome in blue swing, mom and dad and baby sibling blurry in the background

I could never have done this on my own. I am one who loves working with a team. I am so fortunate to have such ambitious and trusting people in my life who jump on board with my ideas to help them come to life. Mandy Blake, Christa Cherrey, Hannah Yoon, Leigh Sellner, Nick Loess and Cassidy Clemmer; I thank each of your from the bottom of my heart for your time, commitment, enthusiasm and unwavering support to this project. It takes a village, and I sure love mine.

We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.

All images used with permission from Hillary Gauld-Camilleri

Originally published: January 22, 2018
Want more of The Mighty?
You can find even more stories on our Home page. There, you’ll also find thoughts and questions by our community.
Take Me Home