Our Kids

Well Wishes and Welcomes

Words cannot express the overwhelming sadness and loss we feel with the passing of Jacquelyn Elizabeth Standing. Jacqui was the daughter of Craig and Julie Ann Standing; Julie Ann was a long time chapter president of the Weber/Morgan chapter. (link to obituary)

The UDSF would like to express condolences to the family of LoRane Miller. LoRane was a long-time chapter president and friend of the UDSF. She was an amazing woman and she will be greatly missed. (link to obituary)

Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie Evans family. Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away suddenly following complications after surgery. (link to obituary)

Words cannot express the sadness we feel from the passing of Carissa Pearce. Carissa died unexpectedly from a rare fungal infection complicated by pneumonia. Carissa was loved by everyone and she leaves behind many friends who will miss her very much. (link to obituary)

Welcome Kris Cox, dad to Bree as our new state treasurer!

Welcome James McFaddin, dad to Jonathan as our new Washington Chapter president!

Welcome Natalie Clyde, mom to Liddy as our new Utah County Chapter president!

The UDSF would like to express condolences to the family of David Dean Hurzeler "Ajax". David’s great nephew is Garret, who has Down syndrome. In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations go to the UDSF. Thank you to all of those individuals and families that sent money in memory of David.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dustin with the passing of his mother Andrea.

A warm welcome to Bradley who just moved here from Kentucky!
 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rhett and his family. Rhett will be facing several complicated surgeries soon. We wish the very best for him. We love you Rhett!

Rebbecca is in our thoughts and prayers. Rebbecca is undergoing treatment for bone cancer. We are praying for you Rebecca and sending love your way!

Benjamin: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Boldt family on the passing of their son Benjamin. Read article on Daily Herald

Heather: Heather is 12 and is going through radiation treatments right now. She is able to go to school but needs extra prayers and well wishes at this time.

A'Reian's family recently moved here from Fort Worth, TX WELCOME
 

WELCOME to Jonathan and his family who recently moved to Utah

Self Advocates

Becca Winegar

Casey Christensen

Accomplishments

Congratulations to Tawnie for receiving the Special Needs Child Award at the 2008 Family Links Conference. Tawnie then presented a very special award to the family of Kristin Hughes, who was Tawnie’s good friend and an advocate for those with disabilities. Kristin tragically passed away in January 2008

Congratulations to Tim, brother of Lily, for receiving Sibling of the Year – Brother at the 2008 Family Links Conference.

Congratulations to Katy, sister of Sydney, for receiving Sibling of the Year – Sister at the 2008 Family Links Conference.

Payton is quite the young man. He has shown sheep at the fair and livestock show for the last two years. This has been a great learning project for Payton as well as a fun family project since Payton’s siblings participate in this as well. His siblings might not like it as much as Payton because Payton got top dollar for his sheep this year $1,200! The average price is $450.00. Way to go Payton!!!

Lily won third place in photography at her schools PTA Reflection contest. The theme was “I can make a difference by…” Lily finished off that theme by saying “being a good friend”. She took a picture of all her friends at dance. Way to go Lily!

Recently Best Buddies Utah honored Dustin Forsyth and Mason Schmutz with the 2007 Buddy Pair of the Year Award. Best Buddies Utah is a non profit organization with a mission to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendship and integrated employment. There are currently 11 high schools and 4 universities throughout Utah with a Best Buddies program. Dustin and Mason participate in the program at Brigham Young University. They were selected as the recipients of the award because of their exemplary friendship. They have been Buddies for more than three years. They go above and beyond the Best Buddies’ commitment to hang out twice a month and talk to each other once a week. As an illustration of how deep their friendship truly is, Dustin was asked to be Mason’s Best Man at his wedding this summer. Dustin and Mason continue to demonstrate the power of true friendship.

This year Rhett and his sister, Chloee are featured in the National Down Syndrome Society's Buddy walk video in Time Square! Way to go Rhett!

New Arrivals

Carter Jon
March 31, 2008

Megan
March 13, 2008

Spencer
February 7, 2008

Annika
February 3, 2008

Leora
February 2, 2008

Mia
January 21, 2008

Ada
January 4, 2008

Israel
December 25, 2007

Isaac
November 27, 2007

Will
November 3, 2007

Cohen
October 10, 2007

Asa October
October 9, 2007

Megan
September 25, 2007

Wes
September 12, 2007

Sarah
August 31, 2007

Ethan
August 29, 2007

Cami
August 28, 2007

Emery
August 15, 2007

Sophie
August 8, 2007

Zayne
August 5, 2007

Vanessa
July 30, 2007

Slater
July 24, 2007

Rachel
July 11, 2007

Jacob
June 29, 2007

Tabitha
June 21, 2007

Macy
June 13, 2007