World Down Syndrome Day 2016 is almost here!!!!!! This was us from last year...

We are SUPER excited this year about our efforts to make the day the BEST it can possibly be out in the community. It is partially the reason why this blog space has been so quiet the last little while. Trust me, just because it's quiet here doesn't mean that I am not pounding the pavement everyday to advocate and educate our community about DS. And a willing community they are!

WDSD exists to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome by choosing activities that show support and awareness to those individuals. Rocking Socks has become and easy, attainable and VERY visual way to demonstrate this support around the globe. We are seeking to share what it IS to have Down syndrome - something to be celebrated. We are advocating for the inclusion, respect and understanding that individuals with Down syndrome have a great deal to offer their communities. This day occurs on the 21st day of the 3rd month because we celebrate the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome which is what makes Down syndrome. To read more about WDSD visit: https://worlddownsyndromeday.org/

Over the last 4 years, World Down Syndrome Day has become one of our absolute favourite days of all time. It's a day where the WORLD celebrates individuals with DS. Social media channels explode with support, love and stories of accomplishments. Families share their children and all the pride and love they have brought into their lives. We here at Chasing Hazel are no different.

So far the community support we have received is outstanding. It literally brought me to tears yesterday. My heart is swelling daily as new people message me and ask how they can be a part of the day. We have firm commitments from 8 grade schools - who have pretty much made it a school wide event to rock socks and share a fact a day about DS. A local high school who will also be rocking some socks. The St. Clair College who has taken us in and adopted us as their own. They are planning on being a HUGE part of our day. More details to follow. Over the weekend the number only grew with more schools and other local organizations reaching out wanting to be a part of the celebration. So as of now there are over 20 different places committed to Rocking Socks for WDSD.

We would be honoured if you would...

Rock Your Socks

with us on this very special day. Be sure to tag your pics so I can share them all over the place!!!!!

#chasinghazelwdsd2016

Leave a comment on this post or email me if you are interested in joining the celebration!!!

Changing the Face of Beauty

At the beginning of 2015, Katie Driscoll set out to find 15 companies willing to use models of all abilities in their advertising. She has now secured over 100 companies (Bellalulubaby is one of them!!). This campaign is gaining a great deal of attention and momentum. I could not be more proud of this woman that I have never met. It is probably one of my favourite movements right now. This needed to happen, it was necessary. Our community needs to see how diverse we are as a society. How we all live together, stand together.

Creating inclusion in advertising only makes sense as one of the next steps to create awareness, acceptance and equality in our society.

Please hop over to Katie's Facebook page HERE and website HERE to read more about this beautiful campaign and see how you can get involved. This pic was reposted from Katie's, Changing the Face of Beauty IG page. The caption for this photo reads:

My inspiration. The face that reminds me that being included in our visual world matters. Katie

Welcome

Hi!!! (I wish I could use the 'wave' emoticon right here) So very kind of you to stop by and meet our little family. Prepare yourself to read about the daily shenanigans of living and loving life with Down syndrome. Oh - I should warn you - sometimes there's this neurotic women who takes control of this space and rants about the 2 tiny humans (ahem…terrorists) that are in current reign of the household. Join the chase!