Brenda Quinones

We were blessed when Joseph was born. We were told Joseph would not be like all other children. We did not expect that at 6 weeks. Four therapists worked with us for three years, now fourteen years old, Joseph proved everyone wrong. He talks and does everything all children are able to do. We are so proud of his sister’s for also helping Joseph become the amazing young man he is today. Joseph our 14 yr old handsome intelligent son is quite the jokester he loves to help people, talks up a storm and has a heart like no other. He has a mom and dad 2 sister’s, he is the baby. Thanks for letting us share a little bit of Joseph’s journey.

• What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
  Comradery at its finest. Helping help people grow and helping bring awareness to everyone with Down syndrome and how kind and loving they all are, what a blessing.

• How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
  DSNetwork has opened doors for us that would have never been possible, they are helping our son and everyone that comes in contact with them to become more productive as adults.

• What is your favorite part of the Walk?
  Being blessed with all the love from everyone involved. We are excited to be part of a great team! Thanks DSN for your love and support for individuals with Down syndrome of all races and ages.

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Brett Logan is 19 years old and lives in Gilbert, AZ. We are originally from Colorado and have been in Arizona for about 4 years now. He is super outgoing, never meets a stranger, and has the biggest heart and most infectious laugh. Brett is a model, Disney enthusiast, adventure-seeker, and avid pajama-wearer. You will almost never see him without his beloved stuffed animals in hand, especially Bert and Woody! He was a varsity cheerleader in high school and is a current Junior Denver Broncos Cheerleader. Brett is an ambassador for Make-a-Wish and was a 2015 ambassador for Children’s Hospital Colorado for showing perseverance through treatment. He made international headlines in 2017 after becoming the first child with Down syndrome to walk the runway in Denver Fashion Week! Brett is reaching others every single day and helping to change negative perceptions of Down syndrome. Adopted as an older child, Brett is proving that there are no limits to what individuals with Down syndrome can accomplish with the proper supports and love. Brett is thrilled to be an ambassador for the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona 2022.

• What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

Our first ever event we attended with the Down syndrome community upon moving to AZ was the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona in 2018 where he not only got to meet the amazing actress, Lauren Potter from one of Brett’s favorite shows “Glee”, but he also met his now best buddy Connor. Attending the buddy walk helped us to feel like part of the community here in Arizona and we are forever grateful for the friendship he formed with Connor and that we formed with other families. Down Syndrome Network of Arizona has helped connect us with our new community here in Arizona and helped us feel like part of the family. The importance of continuing DS Network AZ programs is not lost on us – without funds some of our favorite programs and family events would not be possible. Having an extra chromosome, while in many ways is a blessing, sometimes comes with extra hardships as well. If it were not for our community of other families who know what we are going through, we would feel lost and alone. We need these programs to continue so that we can continue supporting Brett and his peers.

• How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?

Brett has attended the teen program with DSNetwork AZ and our family has attended several holiday events and other gatherings. It is through these events that we have made some of our closest friends.

• What is your favorite part of the Walk?

Brett loves to be the center of attention so he absolutely adored walking by the crowd and getting lots of smiles, cheers, and high fives from the spectators.

DONATE OR JOIN BRETT’S BUDDIES

Chloe is a 15 yr old, who lives here in the Valley, she LOVES music, movies with music (Encanto, and Turning Red are her current faves), reading (especially about history, and the Civil Rights Movement), drawing, dancing. She loves her school Believe I Can Academy, and her friends, they have all become like a family to us.

• What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

We love to get out and see our friends, and support the DSNetwork, and raise awareness for Down syndrome, showing everyone that we are awesome, and strong, and we care about making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities!

• How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?

We have been involved with DSNetwork programs from the time Chloe was a few months old, from our first Holiday party, to play groups, Seminars held to learn about managing behavioral challenges, concerns and advances in health care particular to Ds, networking and making life long friends with other families, advice on navigating resources available, learning how to advocate for our loved one, we would have been lost without the DSNetwork!

• What is your favorite part of the Walk?

My favorite part, and Chloe’s too, is getting the crowd riled up, by giving out high fives to every single person possible, She is a crowd favorite!

The DSNetwork has been the center of our Universe, whenever I have had questions, or need ideas on facing the next challenge, they have been there for us. We have made so many friends who we have played, laughed and cried together, I have loved watching their little ones learn and grow along with my kids. I feel as though I advocate for all of them, not just my own kid.

DONATE OR JOIN BICA CREW

Angelina Cielo is the youngest of 4 sisters. The day she was born completely changed our family’s lives for the absolute better! She brings us so much joy and has already taught us how precious is this life. As we had a prenatal diagnosis, many uncertain thoughts, woes, and worries filled mine and my husband’s minds. Had we known how amazing she was going to be, we would have gotten through the pregnancy with much less stress. Moving forward we value and cherish watching her grow and learn just like any other two-year-old.

• What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

The Down Syndrome Walk Arizona means we get to play key roles in working towards extinguishing the stereotypical views of those with Down syndrome that unfortunately still exist today. We strive for a world where all with Down syndrome are viewed as equally deserving of a quality life and bright future.

• How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?

The most important role DSNetwork’s programs have played in our family is the support that each one of us has benefited. Of course, Angelina, gets to connect with other children just like her but Mom, Dad, and Sisters are all supported right along with her through MOMS’ Night Out, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S.), and DS ConneX 4 Young SIBS. The programs truly are one of a kind with amazing facilitators to go right along with them!

• What is your favorite part of the Walk?

This will be our first official ‘Walk’ with the organization. We anticipate a day of blissful emotions as we join ASU’s Homecoming Parade.

Donate or join ANGELINA’S ANGELS

Our family was blessed with 2 wonderful children with Down Syndrome. Anthony is 7 and Jazzy is 4. Anthony is a social bug, he loves sports, pretend play and is always ready for new adventures. Jazzy has a dual diagnosis of DS and Autism, so she has a more difficult time in crowded places and being outside of her comfort zone.

• What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

The Down Syndrome Walk gives us an opportunity to raise awareness and raise money for a great organization and cause.

• How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?

DSNetwork provides social opportunities and programs throughout the year that not only help support the kids, but also parents and siblings.

• What is your favorite part of the Walk?

This will be our first time walking, as the kids have always been more medically fragile. We are so excited for the opportunity to join our families.

Donate or Join ANTHONY’S LIVING ON LOVE