Making Connections Northeast Ohio families are inspiring others by helping to provide support to the special needs community. by Lindsey Geiss
PICTURE BOOK SHOWCASES ABILITIES OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME Emmy Award-winning journalists Denise and Tony Zarrella cover newsmakers across Northeast Ohio and beyond as a Channel 19 News reporter and sports director, respectively, but their greatest story is still being written. It is one of acceptance, love and dedication to the special needs community, which started nine years ago with the birth of their daughter Gianna, who has Down syndrome, followed by their son Anthony 13 months later. The Zarrellas learned of Gianna’s diagnosis before birth. Screenings also revealed two holes in her heart that required surgery at age 3 months. “We did the testing to know and be prepared,” Denise recalls. “It gave us time to prepare for what was to come and to work through a lot of different emotions, mostly fear of what was ahead. Once we did, Tony said, ‘She’s coming to the right house, a house filled with love.’” Denise turned to local resources and other parents, including support groups, which she found empowering. “I wanted to do cartwheels around the house
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after the meetings,” she says. “You can feel very isolated, but don’t be afraid to connect. When a door is presented, open it.” The family has received support from local organizations Connecting for Kids, Help Me Grow, and especially the Up Side of Downs, in which the Zarrellas remain active. The Up Side of Downs was an important part of her family’s early days. “I needed someone to talk to and guide me through fears, worries and other feelings,” Denise says. “The support was tremendous.” A gift basket from the organization turned out to be the gift that kept on giving. It contained a picture book with a photo of a smiling child with Down syndrome for each letter of the alphabet and became one of her children’s favorites. Inspired by Gianna and Anthony, the well-worn book and all the parents she met throughout her journey, Denise wrote her own children’s book. With
encouragement from Tony along the way, she self-published “Not Even the Sky is the Limit” in 2013. The picture book showcases the abilities of children and adults with Down syndrome, from art to skydiving. The Zarrellas continue to give back to the organization and community that has given them so much. They raised money for the Up Side of Downs through sales of her book, and the family will take part in the 17th Annual Buddy Walk at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The one-mile friendly walk celebrates and supports individuals with Down syndrome. Denise feels her role as a reporter now has deeper meaning. “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to share stories about children with special needs to empower other parents – stories that are close to my heart,” she says. “This is something I was meant to do.” For more information, including book availability and annual Buddy Walk registration, visit theupsideofdowns.org.