7 Celebrity Moms of Kids With Down Syndrome
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome 10 years ago, I remember flipping through parenting magazines and feeling there were no babies like mine — no moms like me. But there should have been — after all, Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition in the United States — one in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome.
Now, thanks to social media, moms have the opportunity to share their precious children with Down syndrome with the world, and we are reminded we are not alone.
I especially appreciate when celebrity moms of kids with Down syndrome share their children with the world. They have a large platform and following, and by sharing their lives and images, it send a message to the world that says, “Having a child with Down syndrome is beautiful, too. Our lives are full of love.”
So we wanted to share with you a few celebrity moms who share the beauty of Down syndrome with the world:
1. Sally Phillips
Actress Sally Phillips has a son, Ollie, who has Down syndrome. Sally made a documentary in 2016 titled: “A World Without Down Syndrome?” She set out to make this film with the purpose to ask the questions, “What kind of society do we want to live in? And who do we think should be allowed to live in it?”
2. Caterina Scorsone
Actress Caterina Scorsone, who can be seen on “Grey’s Anatomy,” shares pictures on her Instagram account of her beautiful baby girl, Paloma. In one of her posts she wrote: “Beauty. Love. Peace. Contentment. Acceptance. Belonging. Freedom. Adventure. Blessings beyond my wildest dreams.”
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If you were having a rough day, here’s a smile to remind you that…. joy.
3. Amanda Booth
Amanda Booth has a son, Micah, with Down syndrome. Amanda is a model and an actress. She is a strong advocate for people with Down syndrome and is committed to making a difference in how the media portrays moms and their kids with disabilities.
4. Joey Feek
Joey+Rory were a beloved country bluegrass duo. In 2016 Joey died from cancer. Joey and Rory’s daughter, Indiana, has Down syndrome. Rory continues t update their social media sharing pictures and video of their daughter.
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…some birthdays are more than just birthdays. They’re dreams coming true and prayers being answered.
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…who needs more coffee? @marcyjos this morning #miniwaitress #likemamalikedaughter
5. Lisa Gungor
Lisa Gungor, of the band Gungor, has a daughter, Lucette (Lucy), who has Down syndrome. “Lucette” means “light,” and Michael and Lisa Gungor wrote the song “Light” dedicated to their daughter.
6. Julie Newmar
Julie Newmar is best known in her role as “Cat Woman” during the 60s TV show “Batman.” She has an only son, John, who has Down syndrome. In an interview with Closer she said of having a son with Down syndrome: “He’s the cause of the great expansion of my outlook on life. He’s responsible for my understanding and practice of unconditional love. John is what makes my life great.”
7. Maria Doyle Kennedy
Irish singer-songwriter and actress Maria Doyle Kennedy has an adult son with Down syndrome, Daniel. She is known for shows such as “The Tudors.” Maria is directing a short film about two teenagers with Down syndrome titled, “A Different Kind of Day.” Her son is one of the stars of the film.
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Filming joy #jamesmather #sophiehiegel #danielkennedy #ADifferentKindOfDay
Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments below and we will continue to update this list.
Banner image via Instagram
Ellen Stumbo is the founder of Disability Matters, an organization with the mission to encourage every church to embrace disability. Ellen is a national speaker who focuses on issues pertaining adoption, faith, disability and parenting kids with disabilities. Ellen writes for several online platforms including Focus on the Family, LifeWay, MomSense, Not Alone, Mamapedia, Group, The Mighty and the Huffington Post. Her writing also appears in several book anthologies. Ellen blogs at ellenstumbo.com and you can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.
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