Support Team Thomas!

Becoming pregnant with Thomas was a big surprise to his mom and dad, but not his sister.  She will tell you that he is an answer to her prayers, and he is .  Well, his arrival two months earlier than expected was also a surprise.   He came out not needing oxygen and very alert.  Another surprise was the suspicion by the doctors of a trisomy-21 diagnosis, commonly known as Down syndrome.   The news of his diagnosis was troubling, because Thomas was doing well.  It did not help that the delivery of Thomas’ condition came with condemnation and apologies from the neonatologist.  The Down Syndrome Network Oregon (DSNO) gave his mom, Kristal, an opportunity to visit with other mothers who are walking a similar path. 

DSNO supports families through:

Smaller group gatherings that are educational as well as emotionally supportive.

Large group gatherings, like DSNO night at Oaks Park and the Buddy Walk.

Providing educational scholarships and providing monetary support to parents to attend the national DS conference. 

And, more!

Thomas is a great addition to the family. He brings so much joy and an amazing perspective on life to everyone he meets.

Steve, Kristal, Claire, and Thomas will be at the 2019 Buddy Walk. They would love to have you join them.  If you can’t come to the walk, please consider making a donation to this wonderful organization. When you sign up, DSNO will send Kristal an email confirmation and she will make a special Buddy Button for each participant. Team Thomas will be happy to send you your t-shirt(s) and buddy bag if you can’t make it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope that you will join Team Thomas this fall in our 7th Buddy Walk with DSNO.