In Honor of Down Syndrome Awareness

WESTLYNN AND KESLEY SHEPHERD

Westlynn, right, is pictured with her big sister, Kesley, left, during a recent trip to Holiday World and Splashin Safari. Westlynn loves riding rides and playing in the water. Being born with Down syndrome doesn’t stop her from being just like her older sister or other kids her age. She can still have fun and ride all of the rides that she is tall enough for (she’s eagerly waiting for the day she can ride a big roller coaster with her sister and aunts). We are so proud of her willingness to try anything new, and we certainly don’t let being born with Down syndrome slow her down.

KYLE, MEGAN, ZOLA, AND VIOLET CHAFFEE

When we chose our daughter half way across the world, we didn’t know how Down syndrome would change our lives for the better.Violet has taught us that despite multiple disabilities not much can slow her down by enjoying this beautifulworld. The way she reminds us to slow down and takein the things we love, is like no other. Violet loves to hike, be with family and neighbors,and loves going to school. Social butterfly at its finest. We try to be part of our community so everyonecan learn what it’s like to fully acceptevery person who shows up for the world just by being in it.

MIA FRANCESCA ACCINELLI

This photo captures just a glimpse of who she is: cheerleader, student, fashionista, and most of all, a shining light in our lives. She shows us every day that ability is greater than limitation, and joy is found in celebrating each unique gift. For our family, this month is about more than awareness. It’s about honoring her strength, her laughter, and the countless ways she inspires everyone around her. She is proof that every person has something incredible to share with the world.

We are so proud of her and so grateful to share her story as a reminder that inclusion, acceptance, and love matter.

CREE CAUGHMAN

Because of him, my world has completely changed. Because of him, I founded an organization dedicated to supporting families and celebrating people with Down syndrome who look just like him. Because of him, I’ve connected with families across the world and built a community of love and strength. Because of him, I’ve attended conferences, learned from leading professionals, and grown as an advocate. Because of him, I’m a better teacher to my kindergarten students, a better mother, and a better person. Because of him, our household is filled with more patience, joy, and understanding. Because of him, I see the world differently with more compassion, hope, and purpose.

WESLEY KNUEPPEL

Wesley doesn’t let Down syndrome hold him back. He loves to cheer and show his team spirit! If you need some words of encouragement, he’s your guy. We love that he can find the good in all situations!

AIDEN GEHRES

We feel so blessed to have Aiden in our lives. While he faces some challenges, he brings endless joy and laughter to our family. To us, he is perfect in so many ways.

NATHAN SPRINGER

Nathan was being goofy at the Fort Wayne Zoo before he grabbed a drink. It was such a beautiful day, and he was all smiles and in a great mood

DOMINIC

Dominic is our blessing. He gives our family light, laughter and life! He is going to Pre-k this year and we are extremely proud of him! We are grateful for the opportunity he gets to go to school!

LILY GARNER

PHOTO BY MATT EDWARDS

Lily is enjoying a Unified Basketball game with her friends!

KAIDEN, KEARSLEY & TRENIN DUFF

“Celebrate uniqueness, spread kindness.”

CASON SMITH

Cason brings so much fun and joy to life! He’s nothing like I expected when I learned of his diagnosis. He’s so much more!

SOPHIE JOHNSON

Sophie makes her own path, and we encourage her to pursue what she loves. And she does! She enjoys music, basketball, swimming, bowling, baseball, makeup, fashion, her brothers, and her cousins. She has a lot of friends, and we are all better for having some Sophie time and her constant pranks

AJ WITHERSPOON

PHOTO BY DSANWI & REAL VIDEO PRODUCTION CO.

This is the year of CONQUER for AJ. Through his determination and support from his community & medical team, he has learned the sky is the limit.

LAYNE KLEBER

Layne is full of life, curiosity, and is constantly learning! Watching her figure out the joy of stopping to smell the flowers has taught us all to take the time to do the same.

KELLY LYONS

Kelly loves to sing karaoke. This summer she spent months off her feet due to leg surgery. But as soon as she was up in a boot, she was back to singing. Here she is performing at “Belt It Out,” a local karaoke contest. She went on to win the perseverance award.

BRIANNA GALYAN

PHOTO BY EK BRAND COLLECTIVE

My daughter, Brianna, after being crowned “Miss Social Media” in the 2025 Monroe County Fair Queen contest after her introductory post on Facebook received over 1,400 likes and more than 100 comments, the most on any post ever from the Monroe County Fairgrounds.