Every two years, our local Down Syndrome Support Group in Frederick County, F.R.I.E.N.D.S, creates a series of posters that can — we hope — open eyes, change opinions and create equality.

Over the course of two nights, we photographed more than 30 fantastic models, from toddlers to young men and women, all of whom had an extra chromosome. These individuals with Down syndrome were captured doing everyday things that they love and enjoy — reading, writing, dancing, listening to music, playing sports, enjoying some screentime.

Those were some incredible moments. I can’t tell you how many times I held back tears and how many giant grins I wore on my face that week. I received the best hugs and some great advice and love from other parents.

The images were then put on posters that say things like #yesIcan and #morealikethandifferent. The posters will be hung in schools across the Frederick County Public Schools district. 

When we did this two years ago, Addie’s Kindergarten teacher took a poster down from a hallway in the kids’ school and hung it next to her door. The poster? An image of Zachary. Addie LOVED that gesture and loved “introducing” her friends and classmates to her brother and having them recognize him from the posters. 

These posters can really make an impact on a lot of people. I’m SO proud of this project. Enjoy these peeks into some of my friends and some fabulous models.