Today is a national awareness day to promote awareness and initiate change of the hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)”, the r-word.

Something that has been pressing in my heart since Lana was born.  After speaking with countless doctors and therapists, I quickly learned that a word that is used throughout society to describe someone that is acting dumb or goofy was now tied to my beautiful daughter.  I must say, it hurt.  At first, it hurt that the doctors would dare describe my daughters condition as such, but after much thought and research I wanted to reclaim the word for it’s intended definition.  I wanted all of my friends and family to stop the misuse of the r-word.  I posted blog posts, sent emails, had many conversations informing people of how hurtful the word was when used in inappropriate careless ways.  I also designed and created t-shirts to hand out and sell.  I’ve been spreading the word for over three years now, but today I’m happy to see the cause is nationalized.

Soeren Palumbo has made a huge impact in creating awareness since his brilliant speech that he delivered to a gymnasium full of his high school peers and faculty and received a standing ovation.

The use of the r-word is offensive and hurtful, even when it is inadvertently used.  It is hurtful to the millions with mental retardation as well as their loved ones.

I find it interesting that insulting somebody by using such words as “Alzheimer… Cancer… AIDS… etc” carelessly would not be taken as a joke nor lightly yet, using another disease such as retardation as an insult is common among society.

It is NEVER appropriate to use the words “retard” or “retarded” in a careless or an insulting way.

I encourage you all to be more conscious of the words that you use and hope that you will take a pledge to stop saying the R-word on www.r-word.org.

I woke up this morning with an urge to embrace the day for a girls day out…just me and Lana.  I wanted to share with her some of my favorite childhood pastimes.  At first, I didn’t know how or what exactly we’d be doing but I knew, just as any other photographer mom would want to, I wanted to document our time together.  After a morning of pampering, we headed out to a wooded area near our home.  Yes, at times, I am a Tomboy.  Plus, I wanted my little princess to be surrounded by nature.  We spent nearly an hour walking through trails and photographing moments along the way.  We had a great time, but I wanted something more for her.  I could have taken Lana for a few of her favorite foods, donuts and ice cream, but that still would not be enough.  So, we set off for the unknown.  I drove down a winding road that stretched throughout several neighborhoods when suddenly we met our days destiny!  I slowed down admiring two beautiful horses that trotted along an open pasture that was smack-dab in the middle of these subdivisions.  I wanted to go to the house sooo bad, but I had no reason other than my inner child screaming to GO.  Just as I was about to pass the entrance, I saw my excuse.  A garage sale!  YES!  We drove up the long dirt road while admiring the horses from a distance, as well as, the stables in the back.  I instantly admitted that I wasn’t there for the garage sale but to inquire about riding lessons.  That’s when I meet a beautiful woman that graciously offered Lana a ride.  She had no idea how much she had touched me with her generosity and kindness, or that this would be the experience to make day so meaningful.  Instinctively, I wanted to jump on “Cotton” (the horse of choice) with Lana, but I knew that would have been pushing it;)  In my childhood tending to and caring for my horses was such an amazing experience that I gained much strength from.  I’m hopeful that Lana will be able to enjoy this as well.

I’m so glad that Lana had such an incredible experience on this day that is so special to me and my family.  This is our 3rd World Down syndrome (Ds) Awareness Day!  We have been so blessed to be apart of this amazing adventure with Lana.  We will celebrate her 4th birthday next month and from the day we were told of her diagnosis it has been nothing but a learning and growing opportunity.  By catering to her needs we have made several lifestyle changes that has enriched our lives and enabled us live a much more satisfying and conscious lifestyle.  She has indirectly brought us to our own inner peace and acceptance.  We have embraced her uniqueness and similarities, and continue to fall deeper in love with the person she is and is becoming.  Lana is a treasure that is unexplainable and undeniable.

Fifty years ago, Professor Jerome Lejeune discovered the copied chromosome determined to cause Down Syndrome. This day commemorated on March 21, 2009, on World Down Syndrome Day. Though the syndrome itself is named after 19th century British doctor John Langdon Down, Lejeune’s discovery is considered the most essential piece in the medical understanding of Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome organizations around the world this year will pay tribute to the pioneering work of Professor Lejeune and celebrate the tremendous advances in the care and social welfare of people with Down Syndrome over the past fifty years.

“Professor Lejeune provided inspiration to parents and professionals who met him, and drew strength and hope from his optimism and his simple and profound dedication to humanity. The Lejeune Institute in Paris continues to sponsor research in this area” said Mrs. Penny Robertson, President of Down Syndrome International. “But while there is much to be proud of in western countries in the services provided for people and families with Down syndrome, there is still an enormous amount of work to be done in many countries” including our own.  More to follow on March 31st.