Each year in October, Seven Hills Foundation celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness and advocate for accepting and including individuals with Down syndrome.
Individuals with Down syndrome have repeatedly shown that their extra chromosome is just one part of who they are and doesn’t define them or limit their abilities. During Down Syndrome Awareness Month and all year long, let’s spread the message of love, acceptance, inclusion, and respect. Together let’s work to make welcoming communities for all.
Learn more by visiting the National Down Syndrome Society website!
Every year, during Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) annual Support Group Leader Retreat, they recognize one particular leader who has gone above and beyond to provide exemplary support to families in the community. MDSC recognized Seven Hills’ own Kathy Black this year for her decades of service to the Down syndrome community and the broader disability community.
Joseph Escribano, Senior Family Support Specialist at Seven Hills Family Services, says, “Kathy Black has dedicated her life assisting those in need. Often, Kathy is the catalyst an individual or family has been searching for in hopes of realizing their own successes. She brings with her to work tireless energy born from a personal mission to affect positive change in the lives of those we serve. Kathy has raised children with Down syndrome, and it is from her family that she manifests the strength and commitment to do the good work she wholeheartedly endeavors to accomplish daily in and day out. Seven Hills Family Services and the many families Kathy works with are very fortunate to have such a stalwart to champion the cause.”
Congratulations, Kathy on the well-deserved 2022 MDSC Support Group Leader of the Year Award.
This year, Kathy is participating in the Buddy Walk hosted by the Mass Down Syndrome Congress, which fundraises to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. To support Kathy and her team in the annual Buddy Walk on October 9th, click here to find Kathy’s team the Rubber Duckies to donate!
For more information on Down syndrome, the MDSC has excellent resources here!