Thank you, Publix Super Markets, for supporting our upcoming Step Up 4 Down Syndrome Walk & 5K Run!
https://www.stepup4downsyndrome.com/
Hello! My name is MaryBeth Gebbia. My husband, Alfonso, and I have been married 13 years. I am the mother of two beautiful daughters, Charlotte, 11 and Sophia, 8. Although, I was born in Florida, I grew up in Philadelphia where I attended Temple University and got my Bachelor’s in Science in Education. I returned to Florida after graduation in 2002, and I started my teaching career. I worked for the School Board of Broward County for 15 years, teaching various elementary grades. I resigned in 2017, after the congenital foot disorder I was born with, bi-lateral clubfeet, caused me excruciating pain on a daily basis. I am now a Stay-at-Home-Mom, who is an active member of the PTA. I continue my love of teaching by tutoring, and mentoring. I enjoy cooking, gardening, singing, and spending as much time as possible with my family. I look forward to working with this wonderful organization and utilizing my organizational skills to help the Board have another successful year.
A BIG thank you to the Boca Senior Softball League, and Bill Coyne for their generous donation of over $1,000 from the fundraiser in honor of Nico Squarini! We appreciate your support Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, and our Bambino. Thank you, Joe and Mayra Squarini!
Thank you, Walmart Store #6637 (Sam’s Club) in Coral Springs for a grant of $1,000. We appreciate the Walmart Community Grant Program has supported Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization over the years.
Our gratitude to Hollywood Walmart Store #4826 for a grant of $1,000 and Coral Springs Walmart Store #1387 for a grant of $1,000! We appreciate the Walmart Community Grant Program has supported Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization over the years.
Down syndrome community across the world will join together on March 21st to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). Together we raise awareness, advocate for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome. One way that you can get involved is by joining the #LotsOfSocks campaign. Take a look into your socks drawer for those mismatched, craziest, or most colorful socks. Get your family and friends to join in the fun
We have limited edition socks for sale, especially designed for Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization. Rock our awesome socks with us for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), presale order is starting now!
Check out matching Pins, T-Shirt, along with WDSD wristbands. Take a look at each photo for more details.
Go to our website at https://bgcdownsyndrome.org/shop/ Don’t forget to select your size.
You can stop by our office in Coral Springs pickup your order, or we can mail it to you. It’s first come first serve basis on the shirt sizes.
Thanks in advance for supporting our organization and help spread awareness.
Today is the day to make our voice heard! Please contact Governor DeSantis and your local legislators to make people with Down syndrome on a priority list of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. You can call the Governor’s Office at (850) 717-9337.
Use #AShotAtTheShot to help make your voice heard on social media, and on Twitter @flgovRonDeSantis @MarcoRubio @scottforflorida @repbartleman
We respect the right of every family to make their own health decisions. We are not recommending the vaccine; we are simply advocating to ensure our community has access to all the valuable resources and services available.
Thank you for your support!
ACT NOW: CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TODAY TO ASK THEM TO ADD PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO THE COVID-19 VACCINE PRIORITY LIST.
WE HAVE ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT FOR STATEWIDE CALL-IN, MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization along with several Down syndrome support groups across the state of Florida are hosting a Down syndrome statewide call in; text; and post on social media, on Thursday, January 28th regarding COVID-19 vaccines and people with Down syndrome. Please join us in our efforts by contacting your elected officials today.
Use #AShotAtTheShot to help make your voice heard! @RonDeSantisFlorida @MarcoRubio @scottforflorida
The CDC has added Down syndrome to the list of high risk medical conditions and recommends priority in vaccination for COVID-19.
We respect the right of every family to make their own health decisions. We are not recommending the vaccine; we are simply advocating to ensure our community has access to all the valuable resources and services available.
Thank you for your support!
Dear Friends,
2020 has been a different kind of year for all of us, it’s been such a whirlwind of ups & downs with so much that we have learned from. We can now start to see light at the end of the tunnel as we are starting a new year with hope and health in 2021.
Here are a few important reminders and updates:
– Expectant/New Parent: If you are expectant or new parent of a baby with Down syndrome, congratulations!
Contact us at www.bgcdownsyndrome.org for your New Parent package. We have “Babies with Down syndrome” books in English and Spanish, along with medical resources waiting for your family. You don’t have to sail this journey alone; we are here to help.
Contact us at www.bgcdownsyndrome.org for your New Parent package. We have “Babies with Down syndrome” books in English and Spanish, along with medical resources waiting for your family. You don’t have to sail this journey alone; we are here to help.– Med Waiver: If your child with Down syndrome is 3 years old or older and is not on the Medicaid Waiver, make sure to apply for his/her as soon as possible as there is a long wait list at the Agency of Persons with Disabilities (APD). Florida Medicaid waiver will provide services to those with intellectual disabilities. Many people who quality is not even aware of eligibility. The waiver is applicable to all ages. Go to https://www.apd.myflorida.com for more details and to apply.
– Guardianship: By law, parents of an adult child with special needs can no longer make medical or financial decisions for them once they turned 18 years old. Therefore, preparing for their transition is crucial. You can contact Stephanie Schneider at https://www.fl-elderlaw.com/ for more detail.
– Social Security: If your son/daughter is 18 years old, they are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs that provide assistance to eligible children and adults with disabilities. https://www.socialsecurityoffices.info/co/fl-broward
– Broward Gold Coast Membership: Our membership for 2021 will be available soon for your renewal at www.bgcdownsyndrome.org, stay tuned for our email of any changes in the membership. As always, your membership has to be current before you RSVP to any social events, or request for the scholarship.
– SU4DS Walk & 5K Run 2021: As you are aware, our 2020 SU4DS Walk & 5K Run has been postponed to March 20, 2021 at Markham Park. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are subjected to many restrictions such as: 50% of capacity, no shelter, no electrical outlets available, 6ft social distancing, marks requirements, etc. Markham Park is also one of the testing sites for COVID-19. We as the board have decided to delay our event to October 10th, 2021. We are hoping and praying by then we can all be safely getting together in person.
We wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
Sincerely,
Bach Todaro, Executive Director
A special thank you to our sponsor Tropic Supply, Inc. for their generous donation. https://www.tropicsupply.com/
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