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We stand at a crucial juncture that demands our collective voice and action regarding the proposed budget cuts to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Arizona Long-Term Care. These cuts threaten the very support systems that countless families rely on, particularly those with loved ones who have Down syndrome. Together, we can raise awareness, contact our representatives, and share our personal stories that illustrate the profound impact these cuts will have on our families.
Helpful resources to follow:
- Raising Special Kids has put together a very helpful Acton Alert.
- Brandi Coon posts regularly in the FB group Parents Supporting Parent Providers in Arizona.
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Your DONATIONS IMPACT
ADVOCACY, SUPPORT, and our COMMUNITY
Dear Sharing Families,
As we embrace the new year, we invite you to reflect with us on the profound impact your donations can have on individuals with Down syndrome and their families right here in our community. Your generous contributions to Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona provide vital resources and support and empower families to advocate for their loved ones. Every tax-deductible donation helps us enhance our advocacy programs, educational resources, and community outreach initiatives, ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome can thrive and live fulfilling lives. Together, we can create a brighter future filled with opportunities for all. Please consider contributing; your support makes a lasting difference. Provide your donation receipt and our QCO code 20543 to your tax preparer. We thank you for your assistance in current and future programming.
Here's the best part! Your contribution can serve
a dual purpose!... Have you heard?
The 25th Annual Sharing Down Syndrome Walk in 2025 features a
GLOW WALK!
Your fully tax-deductible generosity (up to $470 for individuals, and $938 for couples filing joint) can go directly to your fundraising team! Create your team and use to your tax credit donation in 2 ways!
"..we attended the Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona fundraising walk. This was our first experience being with such a large group of individuals impacted by Down syndrome. The energy inside the stadium was like nothing we had ever experienced. There were hundreds of people dancing, laughing, playing, and having a great time. Everyone was welcoming and accepting. With my two-month-old daughter in her stroller and tears in my eyes I began the emotional walk around the stadium. In this moment I knew that Zinnia would always have people who would cheer her on, and that there were moms and dads who had been where we are now who would be there to guide, help, and support us." - Elisha Dunn
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The top fundraising team will lead the Glow Walk as Grand Marshal. Top 3 fundraising teams receive generous gift baskets for their fundraising efforts. Get your walkers registered and have them help you spread the word in honor of your loved one with Down syndrome! Every dollar raised, team created, and walkers added make a HUGE impact! | |
Get ready to light up the night at the 25th Annual Sharing Down Syndrome Walk Fundraiser on Saturday, March 29th, 2025, at Tempe Diablo Stadium! This year, we're adding a dazzling twist with our exciting Glow Walk! Join us for a fantastic evening filled with community spirit, laughter, and the joy of coming together to support individuals with Down syndrome. Your participation not only adds sparkle to the event but also helps empower our incredible community. Let’s glow together for a brighter tomorrow! Register your team today - your tax credit donation can go towards your team's funds raised! | |
February Support Group Meeting
ATSU Dental Students Present for Dental Month
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Get ready to sink your teeth into an amazing opportunity on Thursday, February 27th, as AT Still University dental students take the stage to share their knowledge on the importance of oral hygiene! This is not just any presentation; it’s a chance for families and caregivers to empower their loved ones with Down syndrome through essential dental care tips, all within the warm and supportive environment that Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona is known for. Attendees will be treated to an exciting hygiene swag bag filled with fantastic resources to keep those smiles shining bright! Plus, we’ll have a panel of dental experts ready to answer your dental questions, so don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to get the insights you need. Be sure to submit your questions ahead of time and join us for an evening that promises to be both informative and fun—
after all, a healthy smile is a happy smile!🌟
Free respite care will be provided
Meet Our Panel of Dental Experts
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Curtis Johnson, D.D.S.
Gilbert, Arizona, Dentist, Dr. Curtis Johnson is a graduate of Brigham Young University and earned his D.D.S. from Case Western Reserve Dental School in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated with honors in 1975, then served as a dentist in the U.S. Army for three years. Having served as a Gilbert dentist since 1985, Dr. Johnson is well-known and trusted by families across Arizona. Dr. Johnson, a top professional in his field, has the ultimate combination of skills. He is known for his gentle, caring nature. He is both efficient and detail-oriented. Serving in the army gave him a vast amount of experience and expertise. He and his wife Gina are the proud parents of seven beautiful children.
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Brad Johnson, D.D.S.
Dr. Brad Johnson is proud to be a Gilbert AZ Dentist, as he grew up here in Gilbert. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2007, where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kapa Honors Society. Dr. Brad received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado. He completed a general practice residency at the VA medical Center in Denver, CO where he received specialty training in implantology, oral surgery and endodontics. Dr. Brad loves the outdoors and is an avid snowboarder, mountain biker and runner. He recieves the most joy from spending time with his wife and watching his boys grow. Dr. Brad says the most rewarding part of dentistry is forming friendships with his patients and seeing the positive change in their lives by helping them create great smiles.
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Danielle - Hygientist
After 27 years of being a wonderful hygienist in our office, Danielle has finally retired. She is loving the time off to travel and spend time with family. Although we are sad to see her go, we are excited about this next chapter in her life. Her family stops by often enough that we get regular updates on how Danielle is doing! (Which is important because all her patients ask about her!)
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In A Different Key Movie Screening
A true story of love, difference, and the fight to belong
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Sharing is pleased to partner with Chandler Police Department for a resource fair before the screening of In A Different Key. A thought-provoking film about neurodiversity and community inclusion inspired by the Pulitzer Prize Finalist book. Visit our table on Sunday March 9th, 2025 at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler 85225. Be sure to stick around after the resource fair to watch the film! | |
Don't miss our annual golf tournament hosted by Smith & Annala Engineering Company! Every year SAECO puts together an amazing tournament to raise funds in support of our mission to champion and celebrate all people who have Down syndrome throughout their lifespan. Register by March 7th to golf with us on March 17th, 2025. Let's Tee Up! | |
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Colten Cowell Foundation Batcave Visit
Many thanks to the Colten Cowell Foundation for recently welcoming Brian Giorlando and his family to the Batcave. Brian and his family had an adventurous time checking out Batman's headquarters. We are so grateful for the generous donation we receive at each Superhero experience in memory of sweet Colten.
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🎉 Surely your calendars are marked because World Down Syndrome Day is just around the corner—March 21st, 2025, to be exact! 🌟 In the spirit of celebration, we invite you to sprinkle some joy into our upcoming March newsletter by giving a heartfelt shout-out to your loved one with Down syndrome! Let’s showcase the incredible uniqueness of our shining stars because every individual adds a vibrant hue to our colorful community! 💙💛 Share your love, stories, and anecdotes (5 sentences or less with a photo), and let’s make this celebration as bright as their smiles! Your contributions help spread awareness. Let's make some noise and show the world how we celebrate our extraordinary loved ones! 🎈✨
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A request to light the Gilbert Water Tower in blue and yellow has been made. An update will be sent out if the request is granted!
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