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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Magazine Fundraiser (and more!)

At any given time, there are dozens of people actively fundraising so that they can bring their adopted son or daughter home. Well, I'm adding another one into the mix but I'm trying something new -- a magazine fundraiser! There are two ways you can help:

1. Shop my online store filled with 1500+ amazing items -- I'll receive 40% of every purchase!
2. Share my fundraiser with your friends + family by posting it to Facebook + Twitter.

There are magazines with options for both a paper copy and a digital copy. We also have cookie dough, gifts, wraps, and accessories you can purchase!

Friday, January 24, 2014

What is Down Syndrome?

There isn't a lot of factually correct information about Down syndrome on the internet. Due to this, there is a lot of misconception about what Down syndrome really is and how it effects individuals.

Here are a few facts about DS (from ndss.org):

-- Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

-- Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.

-- Down syndrome occurs in people of all races, nationalities, religion, and economic levels.

-- People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

-- A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

-- Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

-- People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

-- All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

-- Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people with DS to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Most importantly, people with Down syndrome are more like others than they are different! They are just the same as you and me!!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

January Updates

First of all, I am hoping to finish my home study THIS WEEK! Well, I will have gotten all of the paperwork together, I just need to get it to my caseworker. One step closer, one step at a time. I will also be working on completing all of the paperwork for my dossier.

If you follow the link, you will find an auction to benefit us and another family (they're adopting FOUR children!). There are so many adorable items! Each item says which family it benefits. The auction ends 1/19. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.201479056710362.1073741846.100823080109294&type=3

My Pampered Chef party goes through the 17th. I will attach a link to the Facebook invite and the direct party link. The FB page shows the special purchase. If you purchase $60 in product, you can get your choice of spatula for FREE (mini-serving spatula, large serving spatula, or slice 'n serve). FB link: https://www.facebook.com/events/572779746148753/ or direct party link: http://new.pamperedchef.com/pws/bugaboo/guest-landing/8854022569115

You know the Etsy site where you can buy Pralines? Well now you can order ANYTHING off their page and I can get a portion of the sales! How wonderful is that!?! They have winter hats, dish cloths, an adorable tutu, scarves, and more! Here is the link to PlusOneAdoption: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlusOneAdoption?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Also, please don't forget my Amazon link! It's already half way through the month and I haven't had any orders! http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=obenfamiadop-20