From My Heart to Yours, Love, David’s Mom

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.”

Dear Sharing Families,

Pretend that I sent this portion of our newsletter to you on time in December, or at least by January. Okay, so now you know the real me. A little crazy but know it is sent with love. I know it is now February but I hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day.

In my blog, I share some tender things I have learned from families like yours and others God has put in my path, including dear Haley Sheppard. (pictured above)

If you have a moment please read my blog but also when you can, please share with me something you have learned because you have been entrusted with a child who has Down syndrome. xoxo My email is [email protected]. xoxo



With much love,

David's Mom

(aka Gina Johnson)

Read more of Gina's blog! 

Sharing Down Syndrome Christmas Memories

We are still enjoying all the warm, fuzzy feelings of the over 500 attendees who came to our Sharing Christmas party. Many thanks to our Sharing Board of Directors, Sharing Advisory Board, the selfless Volunteers from JustServe.com, and our Sponsors for the tremendous support that made the end-of-year gathering so memorable. A wonderful video was made by Save This Memory, keep scrolling to catch the link!

A Million Thanks for No Missing Links Foundation's $50,000 Donation to Sharing

Have you ever seen a miracle? I have. Her name is Kate Unga. She was born weighing just 2 pounds. Because of Kate her family, through their "No Missing Links Foundation", gave us an incredible donation in honor of their sweet daughter.

I met Kate's proud Uncle Jordan when he, and his daughter Andie, came by my office to bring a donation check last year. It touched me deeply because it was the largest single donation I have ever received.

This year, when he stopped by when it was time to go, he commented that this check was not the same as last year. I thought that meant they couldn't give as much. I told him I was grateful for any donation, regardless of the amount as it helps us serve our Sharing families.

When I opened the envelope and saw the check was for $50,000, all I could do was cry. They had no idea how much this helped.

So thank you, dear Stacey, Jonathan Unga, and the Unga family for your incredible support!

With much love,

Gina Johnson (aka David's Mom)

Win a $25 Chili's Gift Card for the Biggest Donation to SDSA During the WM Phoenix Open



Our organization will be a participating charity in the "Birdies for Charity" program at the WM Phoenix Open happening February 5-10, 2024.

WHAT IS BIRDIES FOR CHARITY?

• Birdies For Charity is a fundraising program designed to give local charities to generate contributions for their organization based on the number of birdies made by the PGA TOUR players during the WM Phoenix Open.

• Donors may also give a flat donation to the charity of their choice.

• You can pledge one cent or more for every birdie that will be made by the PGA TOUR players, Monday through Sunday of the 2024 WM Phoenix Open. In the past, around 1,500 birdies are made during this event.

To learn more or to pledge by February 11th, 2024:

• visit birdiesforcharityaz.com.

• Select the gold "donate" button at the top of the screen
• Choose "Per Birdie Pledges" Or "One Time Donation"
• Enter "Sharing Ds AZ" in the Organization/Charity name field

Parent Support Meeting with Speaker Kirk Cree

February 15, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Join us to hear Kirk Cree from DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) talk about all the services DDD provides.

Who: You or anyone who has questions about DDD services and how to have their child qualify.

What: Parent Support Meeting with guest speaker Kirk Cree.

Where: Mesa Student Services Center, 1025 N. Country Club, Mesa, AZ 85201

When: Thursday, February 15, 2024 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Why: Because we are our child's voice.

Additional Info: Free respite and light refreshments are provided.

ENTER THROUGH NORTH FRONT DOOR.



Space is limited, register now!

2024 Sharing Walk Registration is now OPEN

It's just about time to lace up those sneakers to join us for a beautiful morning to promote positive acceptance and awareness for all individuals with Down syndrome.

This FREE event will feature food trucks, exhibitors, obstacle courses and slide inflatables, carnival-style games with prizes, entertainment including some movie characters, and our very beloved DJ Ron playing the music we love to dance to!

Agenda:

8:30 am Registration opens – Families can enter the stadium and enjoy food trucks, inflatables, entertainment, and visit with exhibitors and entertainers.

9:30 am The official program portion of our event begins – We will honor our country with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem – performed by members of our community with Down syndrome. We will distribute awards to citizens who support people with Down syndrome through employment, medical professionals, education, social work, and volunteerism.

The Sharing Walk begins immediately following the awards ceremony – Led by the Grand Marshal (the top fundraising team), the walk will start near the stage and continue around the stadium, ending with the food trucks in the registration area. This is a half-mile walk. Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are all welcome on the walking course.

10:45 am-12 pm Family Fun – Families can enjoy their time together with games, inflatables, and entertainers at the event.

The fundraiser allows the organization to continue to offer FREE support services to all families in Arizona who have (and love) a person with Down syndrome in their lives.

World Down Syndrome Day 2024

On Thursday, March 21st, be sure to tag us with a photo of your loved one with Ds on Facebook & and Instagram in honor of WDSD 2024!

Due to renovations happening at the Gilbert Water Tower, we will not be able to gather at the Water Tower this year. We look forward to you flooding our social media pages with photos and fun facts about your friend or family member who rocks that extra chromosome!

Mark your calendars to register to attend the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in the Valley of the Sun this coming July!