DownSyn Forum

DanielsMommy · Posted: January 03 2006, 10:12 AM Post subject:

This weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet my dear friend Many and her husband Johnny. If you remember, back in October I posted about her and her daughter Petra who passed away Oct 20th due to an infection after her av canal repair surgery.

They come from Atlanta and they brought me info on the convention this July in Atlanta.

I spoke with my husband and he thinks it's a great idea for us to go. If any of you have been before, please share your experience and any advice on assisting me plan for this years event.

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

lespring · Posted: January 03 2006, 10:22 AM Post subject:

Which organization is doing the Atlanta conference? There are two or 3 big ones every year, all by different organizations.

_________________
~Leah~

Did you visit my mom's blog today?
http://www.gardenofeagan.blogspot.com

And don't forget to visit MINE!
http://itsmylifemom.blogspot.com/

mom to Noah 23, Tyler 21, Angela 14 (DS)

DanielsMommy · Posted: January 03 2006, 10:27 AM Post subject:

National Down Syndrome Congress 34th Annual Convention Atlanta GA. July 21-23 Marriott Atlanta Marquis.

It states on the book I have that it will be the only National Ds convention in 2006.

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

CAmommy2KJ · Posted: January 03 2006, 10:41 AM Post subject:

Actually it will be the only national down syndrome conference in the US in 2006... the NDSS is doing their WORLD conference in Canada this year, usually it's in the US as well.

ANYWAY, I went to the NDSC conference in Anaheim last year and it was awesome!! It was a little overwhelming being surrounded by Down syndrome, especially the older kids and adults with Ds who were there for their own conference.

There was a starbucks in the hotel and I was in there getting Kennedy some milk for her bottle and there was a young woman with Down syndrome in there. She saw Kennedy and asked if she had Ds too and if she could play with her, OF COURSE! So we started talking, I asked her if she had a job, she did, I asked her if she had a boyfriend, she said "yes, he'll be here later today." Just as she said that someone touched her on the shoulder and she turned around and her whole face lit up and she threw out her arms and said AUSTIN!!!!! They gave each other a huge hug and just stood there and I stood there like a dummy crying!! LOL There was another mom with a young baby in there and she was bawling too lol. She said, "This must be your first conference." I said uh huh! She said "Mine too!" LOL So we stood there watching this adorable couple hug each other and we cried together! LOL Then one of Austin's friends came over and said "All right you two, get a room!" And that just made us both crack up... what a... "normal" thing to say! LOL

ANYWAY, beyond that, I learned TONS!!! I went to lots of different topics and walked away with wonderful information and there are vendors out in the hallways selling all kinds of stuff and people giving more info out... bring an extra suitcase or be prepared to ship a box home!!

It's definitely worth it, but just know, it is overwhelming. I'm so glad I went and I'm looking forward to it this year. I'm going as a vendor this time! Very Happy

_________________
~Renee~
Mommy to the Special K's:
Kassidy (11.4.99), Kameron (11.3.01), Kennedy (5.16.04)(Ds and AML and AAI), and Keeghan (5.1.07)

D is for Down syndrome
Kennedy's CarePage Site name: KennedyGarcia
Down syndrome awareness products!
Life with My Special Ks(My Blog)

lespring · Posted: January 03 2006, 11:02 AM Post subject:

Oh that's right. I forgot about the Canada conference this year. Thanks for reminding me.

Maybe we'll go...I'll have to wait awhile before I'll know for sure though. Finances are always iffy around here! LOL

_________________
~Leah~

Did you visit my mom's blog today?
http://www.gardenofeagan.blogspot.com

And don't forget to visit MINE!
http://itsmylifemom.blogspot.com/

mom to Noah 23, Tyler 21, Angela 14 (DS)

elizasmom · Posted: January 03 2006, 11:16 AM Post subject:

Where in Canada is the NDSS conference and when if anyone knows? I just did a quick search of their site and didn't find any info - they still had Chicago 2005 info up.

We won't be going to Atlanta this year but are going to try and go in 2007. We were actually thinking about Anaheim but Eliza was only 2 months old so we thought it may have been a bit emotionally overwhelming!

Anyone who has been to both have any comments on differences?

_________________
Liz - Mom to Walker (3/24/02), Eliza (Ds) (5/6/05), Alden Jane and Noah Henry (5/2/08 )

stawal · Posted: January 03 2006, 1:58 PM Post subject:

We're going. We already have our hotel reservations.

We still can't figure out how to register for the conference though. The NDSC webpage has info about it but no place to actually register, kinda strange. Maybe as the time draws closer it will be available.

Anyway, we are looking forward to it. Renee, I appreciate the warning about it being overwhelming.

_________________
Stacy
Wife to James
Mom to Luke 10/02, Wil(DS) 3/31/05, Timothy 9/06

emma'smom · Posted: January 03 2006, 2:10 PM Post subject:

I think it would be great to go! I will have to look into it. I'll be watching this thread for helpful information.

_________________
Cheryl

Wife to DH Kent Smile

Mom to
Justin 2/13/02
Emma 6/23/05

DanielsMommy · Posted: January 03 2006, 4:39 PM Post subject:

Stacy, that is great that you are going!! I REALLY want to go. My husband does too. I will hopefully decide for sure and make plans soon!! Looks like there is alot to do in Atlanta. We are looking to spend maybe a week or so.

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

CAmommy2KJ · Posted: January 03 2006, 5:56 PM Post subject:

We're planning a Downsyn Dinner for Saturday night at the conference. I'm going to find a restaurant big enough to hold everyone! Very Happy

The registration info is not up yet... eventually they will put up a pdf file you can download and print then you have to fill it out and mail it in.

_________________
~Renee~
Mommy to the Special K's:
Kassidy (11.4.99), Kameron (11.3.01), Kennedy (5.16.04)(Ds and AML and AAI), and Keeghan (5.1.07)

D is for Down syndrome
Kennedy's CarePage Site name: KennedyGarcia
Down syndrome awareness products!
Life with My Special Ks(My Blog)

DanielsMommy · Posted: January 03 2006, 7:11 PM Post subject:

Renee, that sounds fantastic!!! I can't wait to finally meet in real life....some of my downsyn family!!

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

kwisteena1021 · Posted: January 03 2006, 7:36 PM Post subject:

I will be there...working with Renee at the booth Very Happy

Not sure about diner that night though...most likely meeting up with some friends....Hopefully I will get to meet some of ya'll though!

_________________
Christina
mommy to Kallie(10,DS and diabetes) and Brittany( Cool

www.kwisteena1021.blogspot.com

Kyleesmom · Posted: January 03 2006, 7:45 PM Post subject:

Lisa-

You got to meet Many?????? How nice. I email with her every so often. I think she is really busy with her work. That is so nice!!

_________________

Visit our website
www.caringbridge.org/ca/rylee
Kylee's memorial page created by Renee (CAmommy2KJ) Its beautiful Renee! THANK YOU!
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/kyleerose/

DanielsMommy · Posted: January 03 2006, 7:48 PM Post subject:

Yes...I met her!!! She is a flight attendant and requested to fly to Providence. She got in around 5, she came to my house and met my family. We had a wonderful visit. She does travel alot...but I know she looks forward to hearing from you.

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

LarkinsMom · Posted: January 03 2006, 9:58 PM Post subject:

I really want to go but am scared. After the Christmas party (which you all heard about) I just don't want to feel overwhelmed again. I really want to meet all of you from this board though. It's something to think about...

_________________
Amy
Momologist (tm) to Chase 8/29/95, Larkin 10/4/05 (DS, IS, LGS), Brin & Erin twin girls 11/17/09.
http://larkinsplace.com/

Amy · Posted: January 04 2006, 8:00 AM Post subject:

Amy, I'll be going to but I know my husband wont. He still feels overwhelmed at times. So don't feel bad. AMY

_________________
Keep the Faith, Amy
Mom to Kristin (25) Jessica (23) Rebecca (19) Rachel (14) Sarah (13) Hunter (10) & Austin (5) DS

Michel · Posted: January 04 2006, 12:11 PM Post subject:

Barring any disasters, which happen rather fast around here Wink

, all of us (me, Tom, Beth and Mikey) plan on going to Atlanta. I am actually looking forward to making it a family vacation.

_________________
Mom to Beth(excelling @ 17) and Mikey(12-Ds, PDD-NOS, asthma, GERD, chronic sinusitis, sub-glottic stenosis, tracheo-laryngomalacia, and that is quite enough thank you!

momof3boys · Posted: January 04 2006, 12:47 PM Post subject:

Oh man, I would love to go so I could meet all of you. Don't know if we will be able to this year though....we'll see.

_________________
Dee Dee

Wife to Jason and Mom of 3 Boys
Austin 12/28/93
Logan 08/12/00
Colton 7/12/05 DS

DanielsMommy · Posted: January 04 2006, 12:50 PM Post subject:

Michel....it's funny...your house must be just like mine....a disaster at any moment!! LOL. I am in the same boat...if all goes well it will be our summer family vacation. Every summer we do something fun...and this past summer, with Daniel being born in June and needing surgery in August..it wasn't our best summer. I am really looking forward to this year...getting back into a routine and having alot more fun!!

I am SO excited to meet everyone. I am REALLY looking forward to this event.

_________________

Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

Michele · Posted: January 05 2006, 11:06 PM Post subject:

I live here so Matt, me, Marty and Marissa will be there-staying at the hotel also-it is a very cool hotel inside-the architecture...I cannot wait! And if you are staying for longer than just the weekend-that hotel is surrounded within walking distance from lots of stuff. I am still overwhelmed at buddy walks-and I am a scaredy cat when it comes to socializing...cannot wait to meet those that are going!

_________________
Michele
Mom to Marty (7/3/02, DS) and Marissa (10/22/04)

Tarka25 · Posted: January 16 2006, 2:37 PM Post subject:

I so want to go, but it is just too soon after the new baby arrives Sad

Maybe we'll plan for next time.

_________________
Diane, Owen 28/12/03 DS VI GERD & Emma 4/7/06 AKA Penguin
Listen to my singing at www.myspace.com/dianesdemo

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

PookieOne · Posted: February 07 2006, 1:20 PM Post subject:

Hmm This sounds pretty cool. Maybe just Kristopher and I can go (leave the troops at home) Very Happy

_________________
Rose Mary and John
Melody 17 yrs, Kyle 15 yrs, Michelle 8 yrs, Kevin 7 yrs, Kristopher 3*
www.fedsofbrevard.org

ME's mom · Posted: February 21 2006, 8:01 AM Post subject:

Did someone say you all will be meeting up some where, while you are all there? We are hoping to go, and would love to meet ya'll.

vonda · Posted: February 21 2006, 8:31 AM Post subject:

We aren't going to the convention, but we will be driving through on our way to vacation and would love to meet up with everyone for the get together Saturday night. I can't wait!

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Vonda, mommy to Peyton, Sophie, Noah(Ds) and Halle