CRANSTON — Christina Peacock, Katie Lowe and Bob Macaux are doing something wonderful in honor of World Down Syndrome Day this year. The three young adults with Down syndrome are hosting Rock Your Socks dance-a-thon, a day of dancing and fun to raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island (DSSRI), a local organization that offers support for parents and family members.
“Our event is about advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome,” said Lowe, a parishioner of St. Catherine’s Parish in Apponaug.
Peacock, a parishioner of St. Kevin Church in Warwick said, “We want to have fun, bring awareness, advocate for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.”
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Down Syndrome International encourages friends all over the world to choose their own activities and events on WDSD to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in the community. Typically held each year on March 21, to represent the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome, the local event will be held on the weekend, March 24, from noon – 9 p.m.
“This year, we are giving back to our community in a unified random act of kindness — and I get to dance with my girl Katie,” said Bobby. “Dancing is fun but we will be dancing for a purpose.”
Claudia Lowe, coordinator of the DSSRI and Katie’s mom, said that the three wanted to create this fundraiser on their own to help continue to bring awareness to those who might not know about Down syndrome or people with Down syndrome.
“They believe in the Down syndrome society and its mission,” she said. “This is also a fun opportunity for people to know that there is a Down Syndrome Society and that it offers resources to families.”
On March 24, all are invited to come by the pin
IBEW Local 2323, 22 Amflex Drive, anytime from noon – 9 p.m., for a fundraiser with a DJ, raffle prizes, refreshments and fun. Participants are asked to try to collect donations from friends and family. All ages and families are welcome. Donations will also be accepted at the door.
Questions or to RSVP, please email RockYourSocks2018@gmail.com. For more information on the DSSRI, visit www.dssri.org.
