Breaking barriers. It takes just one.

Today in the baseball world, one brave man is celebrated.  That man, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier and became the first black man to play in major league baseball.  An amazingly brave man, or just a man out to play the game he loved, Jackie Robinson is a hero in my mind.  How the world would be a different place today without him.

Apr 15, 1947:

Jackie Robinson breaks major league color barrier

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American in the major leagues when he plays his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born into a family of sharecroppers on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He attended UCLA, where he became the first athlete to letter in four varsity sports: baseball, basketball, football and track. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1944 and was honorably discharged after facing insubordination charges for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus.

After leaving the military, Robinson played shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League. In 1945, he was recruited by Dodgers president and general manager Branch Rickey, who was determined to end the unwritten segregation rule in the majors. In 1946, Robinson joined the Dodgers’ farm team, the Montreal Royals, and went on to lead the league in batting. On April 15, 1947, 28-year-old Jackie Robinson made his Major League Baseball debut with the Dodgers, against the Boston Braves, in front of more than 25,000 spectators at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. Robinson played first base and went zero for three at the plate.

During his first season in the majors, Robinson encountered racism from opposing teams and fans, as well as some of his own teammates. However, the abuse didn’t affect his performance on the baseball field. Robinson played in 151 games, hit .297, stole more bases than anyone else in the National League and was awarded the first-ever Rookie of the Year title. In 1949, Robinson, who had switched to playing second base, was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. The next year he became the Dodgers’ highest paid player, earning a salary of $35,000. In 1955, Robinson helped the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees to win the World Series. He retired from baseball after playing his last game on October 10, 1956, with a career batting average of .311, 1,518 hits and 137 home runs.

After leaving baseball, Robinson worked as a business executive and continued his involvement in civil rights causes. On October 24, 1972, he died at age 53 from heart problems and complications related to diabetes. Robinson became the first African-American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility. In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of his historic first game in the majors, Robinson’s uniform number--42--was retired by Major League Baseball.

As a parent of a child with special needs, I would love to see our children accepted into society the way Jackie Robinson finally accepted Jackie Robinson.  It was a LONG HARD road for Jackie and those that supported Jackie.  I guess this road is the road taken by us parents of a child with a special need, since our children need to be part of today;s world and a active participant in the society in which they live.

Jackie Robinson, I salute you.

Be gentle.

These young men are heroes.

These three young men need to take a bow.  They are my heroes.  What a special gift they gave to a fellow high school student.

Tennessee Homecoming King Nominees Give Crown to Another Teen

By CHRISTINA NG | Good Morning America – 21 hours ago

Three Tennessee homecoming king nominees made a unanimous and touching decision that no matter who won, they would give the crown to a beloved student with a genetic condition.

Students Jesse Cooper, Drew Gibbs and Zeke Grissom were all nominated for homecoming king at Community High School's basketball homecoming ceremony.

The teens got together and decided that the winner would turn over the honor to junior Scotty Maloney, who has Williams Syndrome, a neurological disorder that inhibits learning and speech.

"I've been blessed with so many things," Cooper told ABC News' Nashville affiliate WKRN-TV. "I just wanted Scotty to experience something great in his high school days."

"He's always happy, so he deserves some recognition for who he is," Gibbs said.

Cooper won the popular vote for king, but when the official announcement was made at a Friday ceremony, the principal told the crowd what the nominees had decided to do.

"When they called [Scotty's] name, his eyes got really big and I don't know that he registered exactly what was happening. He knew something was," Maloney's teacher Liz Hestle Gassaway told ABCNews.com. "It was very, very emotional."

The crowd erupted with cheers and Maloney got a long standing ovation, WKRN reported, as he was awarded his "King" medal.

"It was just a ton of emotion from everybody," Grissom told WKRN. "I think I saw Scotty shed a few tears. I know Jesse was pretty emotional. We were all emotional out there on the court."

Maloney is a beloved teen in his school and in the community, Gassaway said.

"Scotty is fabulous. He is a superstar. He knows everybody. There's not one person that Scotty does not know," she said. "To know him and meet him is to love him."

Gassaway believes that the nearly 500-student school in Unionville, Tenn., is "one of the best schools in the world when it comes to dealing with special needs children."

Students like Cooper help out in special needs gym classes and other activities. Gassaway said the boys' gesture toward Maloney sent a greater message.

"We want people to have more empathy towards people, not be scared of people with disabilities," she said. "We want them to embrace them, more like the boys did."

Next year Maloney will get to crown the school's new homecoming king. But for now, he is proudly sporting his medal everywhere he goes.

"He's been wearing his medal around," Gassaway said with a laugh. "He is not here today because he had a doctor's appointment, but I'm sure he has his medal on."

Be gentle.

Karen Gaffney, one of my heroes

I had the honor to meet Karen Gaffney and her father when Davey and Will were five weeks old at a conference.  I was a new parent with five week old twins.  David and I attended the conference at the invitation of our local Down Syndrome group in Reno. It was our first real experience meeting people and families with children who have special needs.  Karen Gaffney and her father were two of the speakers at the conference.  David, the boys and I ran into Karen and her dad in the elevator after hearing her speak.  I think it was one of the first times I had spoken to a person with Down Syndrome.

Here is a little bit about Karen Gaffney and the foundation that she and her family have created.

Th

The Karen Gaffney Foundation is a non profit organization that is dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion in families, schools, communities and the workplace for people with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities. Through a series of personal appearances, motivating speeches, video tapes and resource materials Karen Gaffney, a young woman with Down syndrome, and others like her will...Instill renewed hope for a full productive and inclusive life in the hearts and minds of new parents of a child born with Down syndrome or other learning disability.

Motivate parents to new thinking and positive action so they will begin immediately building the potential of their child day by day;

Heighten awareness and raise expectations of students, counselors, educators and those in the medical profession of the capabilities of children with Down syndrome to learn, grow and contribute in an inclusive setting;

Promote community involvement and action for the support of people with disabilities.

How did it all start?

Getting started on a non-profit organization that is focused on the vast POTENTIAL of our family members born with Down syndrome was the brainchild of Dr. Jean Edwards, Professor Emeritus, from Portland State University.

We were fortunate to meet up with Jean early on in Karen’s preschool years. She was a tremendous advocate for early intervention and inclusion in a regular classroom setting as much as possible. Her theme was “readiness”. What do we need to do to get our children ready for inclusion at whatever phase of life is upon us.

Jean Edwards was a mentor to us as we navigated our way through her early education years. When Karen was attending high school at St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Portland, she was a few blocks from the Portland State University Campus. Jean regularly included Karen as a guest speaker when she was teaching students a curriculum dealing with the “Exceptional Learner”.

When Karen was a senior in high school, she had to complete a “senior project” that required teaming up with a member of the community. Jean and Karen collaborated on a project with the goal to bring positive information to families, friends and educators about the potential for children born with Down syndrome. Through the course of the project, they designed and developed the video, “Journey of a Lifetime, Beginning with the End in Mind”. In addition to the video, they teamed up to form the non-profit organization to continue the effort that started with Karen’s senior project.

Karen’s non profit, the Karen Gaffney Foundation is entirely funded by honorariums she receives for her speaking engagements, video sales, contributions from others and grants. Karen takes no payment personally for her work. Any money she receives goes into the foundation to help fund her work.

Karen Gaffney competes in open water swimming.  She is known world wide for her talent as an open water swimmer.

Now, Karen is being nominated for an honor.  And you have the chance to support her.

2012 WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominees The 2012 WOWSA Woman of the Year nominees are (listed in alphabetical order of their first name): 1. Ana Marcela Cunha (Brazil), World Professional Marathon Champion 2. Anna-Carin Nordin (Sweden), Oceans Seven Swimmer 3. Annaleise Carr (Canada), Young Marathon Swimmer 4. Catherine Vogt (USA), Dual Olympic Coach 5. Diana Nyad (USA), Xtreme Dreamer 6. Esther Nuñez Morera (Spain), Professional Marathon Swimming Champion 7. Grace van der Byl (USA), Marathon Record Breaker 8. Janel Jorgensen McArdle (USA), Swim Across America President 9. Julia Washbourne (Hong Kong), Eco-Swimming Aquapreneur 10. Karen Gaffney (USA), Swimming Philanthropist 11. Keri-Anne Payne (Great Britain), British Open Water Icon 12. Pat Gallant-Charette (USA), Channel Swimming Late Bloomer 13. Risztov Éva (Hungary), Olympic Champion 14. Shelley Taylor-Smith (Australia), Pioneering Administrator 15. Tina Neill (USA), San Clemente Channel Swimmer

Click this LINK to vote for Karen.

Be gentle.

One of my heroes writes a monthly column for the National Down Syndrome Society Newsletter.  I love reading his words and seeing the wonderful photos he posts.

Straight Talk with Chris Burke

NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke is best known for his role as Corky Thacher on the hit ABC show "Life Goes On." Chris works in the NDSS office, where he is a member of the staff. In this monthly column, Chris offers advice and perspective to fellow self-advocates.

Here is his December.

Happy Holidays

I would like to wish all of you happy holidays, seasons greetings, and a happy new year! I just can’t believe it is finally here. Time flies by when you’re having fun. I have the feeling that 2013 is going to be a great year and I can’t wait.

I am very lucky to have my parents, family, relatives, and friends to share the holiday season with. I love spending time with my parents and my family and this year I will be celebrating with my sisters, Ellen and Anne, and my brother, J.R. It’s always good to see them. 

This is the time to remember being together and being there for each other. It is also the time to be thankful for the good things in our life. 

We should always try to support and encourage others who are in need our help, especially during the holidays. We should donate clothing, food and drinks, and our time to help others whenever possible.

Happy holidays and have a great new year!

Be gentle.

Motor skills can improve with karate

Davey is wanting to take karate lessons.  He took Tai Chi when he was seven and really had a lot of fun.  I found this article this morning.  Here is an awesome example of kids with developmental delays improving their motor skills through martial arts.

Staten Island kids sharpen motor skills with karate lessons

Karate grandmaster Paul Mormando, center, leads students David, Antonio, Jason and Joseph in a kicking exercise during a class tailored to their special needs at S.T.A.R.S (Specialized Therapeutic and Recreational Services)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When one of her young patients who was taking karate lessons in pre-school showed marked improvement in her balance and motor skills, physical therapist Maria Sarabok decided to investigate.

At S.T.A.R.S. (Specialized Therapeutic and Recreational Services), her pediatric Eltingville practice, Ms. Sarabok specializes in early intervention for motor delays. With a doctorate in physical therapy from New York University, she has taken a unique approach by providing not only private therapy sessions but small group motor classes.

“For kids who are behind their age group in motor skills, a gymboree class for typical kids does not work. I wanted to create something where they can feel successful and have fun,” said Ms. Sarabok.

The motor classes also add a social aspect to the children’s lives and just as importantly, provide a place for the parents to relax and network.

When she contacted her patient’s karate teacher Paul Mormando, she found a kindred spirit. A grandmaster, 10th degree blackbelt, Mormando had created his own system of martial arts when he was 19 years old. In addition to pursuing his career, he is dedicated to teaching children and adults because of the difference it can make.

“A lot of attributes from martial arts transcends to everyday life — focus, eye-hand coordination, balance as well as camaraderie and discipline,” said Mormando.

They decided to combine their expertise to develop lessons for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, motor impairments associated with the autism spectrum, and other diagnoses.

The classes are for “any child with motor issues,” although in the three inaugural classes, the children are for the most part on the autism spectrum or being evaluated.

Assistant Anna Mormando guides Joseph in a punching drill with karate grandmaster Paul Mormando.Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez

For these children, explains Ms. Sarabok, motor skills are delayed or not age appropriate. Actions such as hopping, tumbling, jumping and playing ball, skills a typical child their age takes for granted, require an extra effort and focus.

“It can become a circular problem. If they are not participating in age related activities such as baseball, soccer or karate, they are not going to evolve in those skills, and they are missing out on social activities. The differences are subtle, but they become not so subtle for the child as they get older which creates other issues, including not wanting to participate,” said Ms. Sarabok.

Jennifer Azarow, mother of 3-year-old A.J., is convinced.

“I thought it was a really good idea. I wanted him to be able to be part of regular activities that children his age participate in. This was an opportunity to do karate in an environment that is appropriate for kids on the [autism] spectrum,” said the Eltingville mother.

Everyone looks sharp and eager in the 2 ½- to 3½ -year-old class in their black T-shirts, black pants and white belt. Class begins with a line up on the shiny yellow line and a bow. But as with everything, unison is not required; the lessons keep moving forward.

Physical therapist Maria Sarabok coaches Matteo as he prepares to jump over the wand held by Mormando. (Staten Island Advance/Kathryn Carse) 

Mormando puts them through routines, jabbing in the air, ducking under a wand, then everyone takes a turn first punching then kicking an orange balloon that he floats above them.

After class, Jake Gordon, hops into his father Gabe’s arms. He looks like he will be asleep before he leaves.

“It helps with listening and following directions, providing structure for a 2 1/2 year old,” said the Eltingville dad.

“He’s our only — so he’s not around other kids a lot. This is a good opportunity,” said Jake’s mom Katie.

In the lounge, fitted out with comfortable chairs and couches, Ms. Sarabok’s husband Todd Hack welcomes the parents with coffee and bakery treats during the Saturday morning sessions. Providing them with a place to meet and talk is an added benefit says Ms. Sarabok.

“For children under 3, the services are in the home. It is the most isolating time and it is the scariest time for the parents,” said Ms. Sarabok. “It’s been a pleasure to see them in the waiting room talking to someone who is going through the same thing.”

“This is unique on the Island,” said Meredith Bova, an early intervention therapist. She both shadows a student in the first class and brings her son Christian to the lessons in the 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 year old classes.

The classes filled (with a cap of six participants) without any advertising, mainly because of the need for such classes and the network among parents to circulate news that includes Facebook pages (Staten Island Parents of Special Needs Children and Jillian’s Special Needs Family).

Christine New knows that her daughter Haley, 4, would not be able to focus in a room with all the glass and mirrors of most martial arts studios, but she wanted her to participate in the activity.

“She’s in therapy all the time. I wanted her to have something fun that I don’t have to worry about. The worst thing you can do is put your kid in something that you know is not going to go well,” she said.

Providing parents with a comfortable place to meet, relax and share information is another goal of S.T.A.R. director Maria Sarabok.Staten Island Advance/Kathryn Carse

Sensory overload and waiting too long for a turn are things that can result in the child becoming upset and behavioral issues.

“This is the best of both worlds,” said Alana Miller whose two sons Mason, 4, and Ryan 5 ½, are in the middle class. After trying John in a karate class advertised for special needs children that did not work out, Mrs. Miller is appreciative of the small class and expertise of the instruction at S.T.A.R.S. that combines an understanding of the students’ physical capabilities and how to break down the activity in a way that limits frustration.

The middle class exhibits more confident moves. Ryan launches into the air to punch the balloon; John tumbles without assistance and so does Mason who says “I know how to do it myself.”

The atmosphere is the same in all three classes. Accomplishments are celebrated with high fives and applause. The enthusiasm is infectious and the nonjudgemental atmosphere of kids and adults is comfortable and encouraging.

Karen Torchio points out another aspect of the classes for her son John. “I am so glad he’s doing this. It’s a good focusing tool. This is also nice because there are so many cutbacks in special ed.”

S.T.A.R.S.:Specialized Therapeutic and Recreational Services3710 Richmond Ave., Eltingville
Lower level
 718-317-7030
maria@starspediatrictherapy.com
www.starspediatrictherapy.com

Ms. Sarabok points out that early intervention is crucial because research shows the brain has the potential to change with therapy that is early and often. Ms. Sarabok’s practice is out of network, but her office works with clients toward reimbursement.

One thing Ms. Sarabok did not anticipate was the response of parents with older children. Intending to have two classes, she opened a third upon request for 5 ½ year olds and up and it filled.

According to Victoria Lucido, although there are baseball, soccer and karate programs that are advertised for special needs kids, they are often not well organized for them.

“They are too crowded, not enough people are working with the kids who get overwhelmed with sensory overload. Here they are not made fun of or teased, and it is nearly one-on-one instruction,” said the New Springville resident.

Her 7-year-old son Jason’s response says it all.

“Jason loves to practice. He wants to get his black belt. It’s the first time he really feels comfortable, and he gets to feel he is doing what other people are doing,” said the New Springville resident. 

Kathryn Carse is the Advance Health and Fitness editor. Contact her at carse@siadvance.com.

Look for pictures of Davey participating in his new sport as soon as he gets moving!

Be gentle.

One of my heroes is at it again! Jane Lynch rocks!

Are you a fan of Glee?  I am!  This show celebrates diversity and has brought many topics into mainstream conversations.  Jane Lynch, one of my heroes supports those who rock their extra chromosome.  And her support is continuing into fourth season as "Sue Sylvester".  Do you watch Glee?  Are you a fan?  If not, but you are an advocate of Down Syndrome, you may want to check this show out.

'Glee's' Jane Lynch Reveals Who She'd Like to Play Sue Sylvester's Baby Daddy

At the end of season three, the track-suit-wearing cheerleading coach was pregnant with a baby, whom she claimed had a mysterious celebrity father.

As The Hollywood Reporter reported, when the show returns for season four in September, Sue will have already had her baby.

"She's now Sue with a baby and a different set of priorities but still can't help but make fun of everyone as often as possible," executive producer Ian Brennan said during Glee's panel at Comic-Con.

Will being a new mother change her?

“I think the thing is, Sue Sylvester is pretty set in stone with who she is,” Lynch told THR. “She’s your best friend and your worst enemy.  When she has something to fight for, she’s never better.”

Lynch spoke to THR before Comedy Central’s roast of Roseanne Barr, which filmed in Hollywood on Saturday, Aug. 4. Lynch served as Roast Master for the annual event, which featured roasters Ellen Barkin, Katey Sagal, Seth Green and Jeffrey Ross.

Lynch says that being a mother to a child will make the already fierce character “like a momma grizzly bear.”

When it comes to who could be the celebrity father of Sue’s baby, executive producers saidthis news would be revealed in the first half of season four, and promised that it would be quite funny.

VIDEO: 'Glee's' Darren Criss on Klaine's Future, Plus the Couple's Deleted Christmas Scene

“Who Sue Sylvester thinks is a celebrity and who the rest of the world thinks is a celebrity – you never know – it could be Rod Remington,” Lynch said, referring to the local newscaster on the show (played by Bill A. Jones).

When THR asked Lynch who she would like the father to be if she could choose, Lynch was quick to throw out the name of an English actor.

“Why would I like to work with? Oh, Hugh Dancy. Why not?” she said, referring to the 37-year-old actor whose real-life wife Claire Danes is pregnant with their first child.

Unfortunately for Lynch, Dancy is probably too busy filming NBC's new show, Hannibal, in which he plays an FBI profiler. The show is an adaptation of Thomas Harris' 1981 novel Red Dragon.

Glee's fourth season premieres in its new night and time slot on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 9 p.m.

Be gentle.

Paying it forward to the Down Syndrome Community

When a parent enters the Down Syndrome community, it usually is not by choice.  But usually that parent, or parent to be is welcomed with open, loving arms.  They are gently guided and educated into the community.    Here is a super story about a dad giving back to one of the organizations that helped his family when his beautiful daughter was born.  He is paying it forward to the organization that has helped him.

Please read on to learn more about his DS hero and advocate, Steve Hawley.

Florence man runs for group that helped his family

By BOB DUNN STAFF WRITER

After about eight years of receiving advice, education, and support from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, Steve Hawley decided it was time to pay it back, one step at a time for seven miles.

Hawley, 45, will be running in the 40th annual New Balance Falmouth road race Aug. 13 to raise money for the organization that has helped him and his family raise a daughter with Down syndrome.

"How could I not?" Hawley asked.

Hawley said that about a year after his daughter Alice was born he attended his first Down syndrome conference in Worcester and the organization has been helping him, his wife Evie, and Alice's younger brother, Stuart, navigate the intricacies of raising a child with special needs.

Hawley said that the organization has provided information about the disease itself as well as information about diet, what expectations to set and when to back off, how to help Alice, now 9, interact with Stuart, and more.

Hawley said Alice's gross motor skills are poor, so she doesn't come with him during his three-times-a-week training sessions, but is still excited about the upcoming race.

"She understands that Daddy is running," he said.

Hawley said that he's been doing interval training, running ¾ of a mile and walking ¼ mile trying to build up his endurance for the seven-mile race in the middle of August.

"My goal is to finish," he said.

He's been getting advice and training tips from some of his co-workers, three of whom are advanced runners.

The sometimes excessive heat so far this spring and summer have made training more grueling than he expected, but has maintained his schedule and expects to be ready by race day.

Part of that preparation involved a trip to his wife's native Falmouth, to check out the course beforehand to avoid as many surprises as possible.

About a mile into the course is an uphill climb toward a lighthouse and about ¾ of the race's final mile is all uphill, before sloping downward for the race's final stretch.

Hawley said that he expected to raise about $1000, but in his heart was hoping that he might reach $2000, a goal he just surpassed last week with almost a month left to go before race day.

A link to Hawley's donation page can be found on his blog at www.plinth.org/wordpress along with a journal he writes about his experiences with Alice and his family, and advice for others who have loved ones with Down Syndrome.

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Local woman honored

Cathy Wanat, of Florence, Dave Slowick, of Huntington, and Tony Kurpaska, of Pelham were among 21 members of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists honored by Governor Deval Patrick for their efforts during the June 2011 tornadoes that touched down in Western Massachusetts.

The group was presented with the 2012 Manuel Carballo Award for Excellence, the state's highest honor for its employees and named after the former Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The honorees were part of the state's Tornado Response Team, assisting communities with hazardous material clean-up, debris removal, restoring drinking and wastewater infrastructure and helping the Federal Emergency Management Administration to evaluate the scope of the damage.

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Annual Bible camp coming up

The greater Northampton Cooperative Vacation Bible School announced its 2012 session will be running from July 23-27.

The school will meet at the Florence Congregational Church at 130 Pine St. from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and is open to children starting at age 4 and up to those entering fifth grade in the fall. The cost is $15 per child.

The church invites those above the age limit to attend the school as students up to senior citizens to consider donating their time as volunteers. For more information, call 413-584-1325.

Bob Dunn writes a regular column about Florence. Submit items to bdunn@gazettenet.com.

Be gentle.

Olympic Spirit. Down Syndrome Style

One mom's pride in her children shines as they were honored to carry the Olympic torch.  Read this inspiring article about pride and Olympic Spirit.  Have a Saturday Smile.

Wait for us, mum!

Published 14 Jul 2012 08:00

A MUM'S pride in her two young Down's Syndrome sons shone brighter than the Olympic Torch when they were plucked from the roadside to help her carry the flame on an historic day for Reading.

Brenda Morton did not know until the eleventh hour that Piers, eight, and Joshua, four, would be allowed to join her in Bath Road on Wednesday, as the Torch made its way out of the town after two days' celebration.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital urgent care matron, who was cheered on by husband Bill and her A&E colleagues, had nominated the youngsters as torchbearers but when their application was rejected by organisers because of their age, she successfully put herself forward in her role as chairwoman of the West Berkshire Down's Syndrome Group.

The 49-year-old, from Shinfield - who last year raised £3,500 for the group by running the Green Park Challenge and is planning to open a social club for members - later asked if the children could accompany her and did not find out that her dream would come true until she arrived for her duties at 7am.

Brenda, 49, from Shinfield, who with Bill adopted Joshua when he was 12-weeks-old so the boys can grow up supporting each other, told The Chronicle: "It was everything it was meant to be.

Be gentle.

Rodeo, horses, cowboys, brotherly love and rocking an extra chormosome

Inspiring.

Down syndrome doesn't slow teen rodeo rider

By Amy Schweitzer 
WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE

Wyatt Bader of Palmer, Neb., is joining his older brother, Regan, in rodeo competitions this year. The boys' mother, Chrissy Bader, says despite Wyatt having Down syndrome there are few things that her older son does that her younger son doesn't

HASTINGS, Neb. — Brothers Regan and Wyatt Bader of Palmer, Neb., are in just about all of the same extracurricular activities. Both wrestle for Palmer High School and show cattle and hogs in 4-H and FFA. Both participated last week in the four-day Nebraska State High School Rodeo Finals in Hastings.

Wyatt, by the way, has Down syndrome.

“He's always been willing to try anything that anyone else is doing, especially Regan,” their mother, Chrissy Bader, said of Wyatt, 15. “He's got a good attitude and is pretty confident.”

Nearly 150 high school rodeo athletes competed in Hastings in 10 events. The top four competitors in each event earned berths representing Nebraska at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs, Wyo., July 15 through 21.

Regan, 17, started participating in rodeo last year, competing in the boys cutting event, where horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a single animal away from a cattle herd and keep it away for a period of time.

This year, Wyatt followed in his brother's footsteps.

Chrissy Bader said there are few things that her older son does that her younger son doesn't. The only exceptions are football — “although Wyatt is the student manager of the Palmer Tigers” — and competitive shooting sports, although, again, Wyatt likes to go hunting with his father, Kirk Bader, and shot his first deer last year. Wyatt also is on Central City's team for the Special Olympics.

“He hasn't been limited at all. Wyatt really looks up to his big brother,” Chrissy said, adding that his grandfather, Gary Bader, and neighbor Mark Edwards looked for a nice, gentle horse for Wyatt to start out rodeoing.

“It's probably not as agile as the other horses, but Wyatt's been doing good with it,” Chrissy said, adding that the boys practice at home with each other and their cousins, who also compete in cutting.

“My dad helps me, and my Grandpa Gary,” Wyatt said.

Everyone agrees that Wyatt has improved since he began last fall, and “Coach” Mark Edwards said they are even thinking of changing to a quicker, younger horse next year.

“She's a little faster,” Wyatt said.

Chrissy said her kids have always ridden at home, where they have horses for their cow-calf operation and feedlot. Regan also team-roped in the past but decided not to this year.

“I just thought I'd try something different,” Regan said, adding that to be successful at cutting, the cowboy really has to work with his horse.

Wyatt agreed: “I like cutting the best, and I like horses.”

Wyatt also said he enjoyed rodeo because it was giving him more muscles. “I'm getting buff,” he said with a laugh, flexing his arms.

Chrissy said they didn't know Wyatt had Down syndrome when he was born. Although the Baders had some concerns about him, it wasn't until Wyatt was 2 months old that a test confirmed that he had Down syndrome.

“We decided we hadn't treated him any different (from Regan, who is 15 months older) the first two months, why do it after we found out?” Chrissy said, adding the two are “typical brothers.”

That is evident as Regan and Wyatt tease each other about who is better at rodeoing, and have a friendly competition going on.

At Thursday's first go-round at the Nebraska State High School Rodeo Finals, Regan had a score of 138 and came in fourth, while Wyatt scored a 128, beating at least one other competitor.

Regan even admitted that Wyatt has beaten him a time or two.

Chrissy said the “rodeo family” has readily embraced the Baders and has accepted Wyatt as one of them. She has been told that no one knows of any other Nebraska rodeoer who has had Down syndrome.

The family has followed the high school rodeo circuit, attending about 14 rodeos this season. The boys' little sister, Concey, 11, even likes going to the rodeos.

Chrissy said fellow high school cutter Sterling Atkins of Broken Bow, Neb., named Wyatt “most improved cutter” and gave him one of Atkins' buckles.

Regan, who will be a senior this fall, said he would like to study diversified agriculture or agribusiness at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next year.

Wyatt, a sophomore at Palmer High, said he would like to follow in his brother's footsteps there as well.

“I love ag. Vo-ag is my favorite class,” he said. “I get to study about plants and hay and pigs and cattle.”

Be gentle.

Special Olympics Northern California State Championships Opening Ceremony

Last night was the 2012 Summer Games Special Olympics Northern Nevada State Championship Opening Ceremony.  Whew, say that in one breath.  LOL.

Here are a few pictures from last night.  Can't wait to watch the competition.

If you get a chance, check out the web site for Northern California Special Olympics HERE.

Be gentle.

Hero Jane Lynch!

Meet another one of my heroes.  Jane Lynch.  You may know her from the hit series "Glee"?  Great show that celebrates being different.  But Jane Lynch is also an advocate for people with Down Syndrome.  The National Down Syndrome Society recently honored Jane Lynch for her support and also her support of the End the R-Word campaign.  Click HERE to learn more about Ending the R-Word campaign.

Thank you Jane!

Jane Lynch Honored By The National Down Syndrome Society

by Victoria Garcia

Contributing Writer

On Jun 07, 2012

Comedian Jane Lynch is a woman who fights for what she believes in. She's known for fighting for the LGBT community and supports President Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage. However, this is not the only cause that Lynch supports.

This week Lynch was honored at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Annual Spring Luncheon. The event was hosted to celebrate people with Down syndrome and those who support them. Actor Chris Burke, known for his work on the ABC show Life Goes On, was also in attendance. NDSS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Similarly to her character Sue Sylvester on Glee, Lynch has shown support for down syndrome before and is a proud supporter of the campaign ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’. If you are unfamiliar with this powerful campaign, its main goal is to stop the everyday use of the word ‘retard’.

During the Wednesday luncheon that took place in New York City, Glee star Lauren Potter, who plays Becky on the show, also made an appearance by filming a video with Lynch in support of the campaign. Potter was unable to attend the luncheon but congratulated Lynch via video message. "The world would be a better place if more people saw beauty the way you do, and chose to recognize abilities, rather than disabilities," she said.

Be gentle.