I’ll never proclaim to be an expert in special needs or all illnesses, disabilities or diagnoses. But I am an expert in two things — taking photos and being Zach’s momma. Zach has Down syndrome, a genetic condition in which a super-awesome person has one extra copy of the 21st chromosome, leading to possible health, developmental and intellectual issues.

While I love all of the NDSS events, being asked to photograph and attend their annual fundraising gala and silent auction event in New York City each winter is really special.

I first met Kayla Schadegg earlier this year at an event with the National Down Syndrome Society. When I first saw her, she was decked out in a dress and a tiara and I soon learned she was Mrs. Maryland. It was only later at another NDSS event that I realized Kayla was the proud […]

Two days before I attended my first Buddy Walk, I saw a post on Instagram that said “You ever want to see someone truly dance like no one is watching? Join a Buddy Walk one day and then just watch. And learn.” Guess what? It was like a day-long dance party that left me filled […]

Another favorite annual event to photograph and attend with the National Down Syndrome Society is the springtime Buddy Walk on Washington. This event is where you see advocacy in its greatest form displayed right in front of your eyes, with big dreams, big requests and big moments. It’s a two-day event that ends with hundreds […]

I’ve already shared how much I value my opportunities to advocate with the National Down Syndrome Society but it’s worth repeating. The resources they’ve provided our family and hundreds of others throughout the years in our journey with Down syndrome are so priceless. I love the modern approach they’ve taken with advocacy — understanding you […]

I have photographed events with the National Down Syndrome Society now for four years (consistently and frequently for the last two) and although all of them are powerful and impactful in their own ways, the C21 events are hands-down my favorites. C21 is the name NDSS has given to pop-up restaurants across the country (Washington, […]

The National Down Syndrome Society and Down syndrome awareness in general are so important to me. NDSS was the first contact we had while doing scary research in those first days after our son Zachary was postnatally diagnosed with Down syndrome. Since those first overwhelming days and weeks, they’ve been a constant source of support, […]