In Their Own Words

Why Go to Hope Heals Camp | Penny in Her Own Words
Years ago, I wrote a piece for the Huffington Post called “Missing Out on Beautiful.” It was prompted by my realization that it was really

Camp PALS and Belonging
Penny sent me a text on her first night of Camp PALS: “With my favorite girl at my favorite place.” The next day, the text

Penny: Facts About Me That I Believe Are True
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I asked Penny to share some thoughts about who she is, what matters to her, and what she

Penny Sharing in Church for DSA Month
As a part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Penny had a chance to share some thoughts in front of our congregation on Sunday. She talked

Camp PALS | Penny in Her Own Words
Penny had a chance to go to Camp PALS with her friend Rachel after two years of waiting due to Covid. PALS is one of

Interview With Penny for World Down Syndrome Day
Penny, March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. It’s a day to celebrate the lives of people like you, who were born with Down syndrome.

Penny in Her Own Words: The PATH Process and Planning for the Future
I asked Penny if she would be willing to answer a few questions about her experience with the PATH process. These are her unedited responses:

Penny in Her Own Words: Down Syndrome, School, and Friends
My name is Penny and I have an extra chromosome because I have Down syndrome. In my daily life I wake up independently, make breakfast,

In Her Own Words: Penny’s Advice to a Student Beginning Ninth Grade
I asked our daughter Penny to take a few moments to reflect on her experience in ninth grade. We talked about how there are all

In Her Own Words: Penny on Being a Bridesmaid
Penny and I got to be bridesmaids together last weekend in my sister’s wedding. I’m going to let Penny tell you about it in her