World Down Syndrome Day: 10th Anniversary

Yesterday was the 10th Anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. This is a day we joyfully celebrate at LiveBeyond. Many of you know Laurie’s brother, Johnny Stallings, is the inspiration for our Johnny’s Kids program. Johnny’s Kids exists to serve children with disabilities in underserved communities. Caring for children with disabilities including, but not limited to Down syndrome, was one of our first community outreach efforts in Haiti. Now, this program serves many children with disabilities and their families in the rural area of Thomazeau. 

Our Johnny’s Kids Program in Haiti provides:

• Education
• Transportation
• Nutritional support
• Physical therapy
• Medical care

 

We recently announced LiveBeyond’s expansion into Isreal, and we are elated that Johnny’s Kids is the first program being launched in the Jerusalem area. Serving children and families affected by disabilities in this part of the world is such a powerful way to care for a very underserved and overlooked population. LiveBeyond is currently caring for 60 children and their families in Isreal with plans to expand these efforts very soon. These participating families in our Johnny’s Kids Isreal Program receive education and nutritional support. We very much look forward to being able to provide physical therapy and medical care to these families soon.

The LiveBeyond Johnny’s Kids Program Cares for children with:

• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Hydrocephalus
• Microcephaly 
• Visual impairments
• And many other disabilities

 

To find out more about World Down Syndrome Day and why LiveBeyond deeply cares about taking care of children with disabilities, take a look at this article written by our Co-founder, Laurie Vanderpool. She talks about her brother, John Mark Stallings, who had Down syndrome, and how he inspired so many people throughout his life. 

We are so grateful for our family of generous supporters and partners who make it possible for us to expand our reach to underserved communities. Convoy of Hope is a partnership that directly helps LiveBeyond serve a greater number of children with disabilities. A huge thank you to each of you who make this possible!