About:
My name is Samantha Bonge. When I was six years old, my sister, Alexa, was born with Down Syndrome.
(You can see her in all the pictures on the home-screen slideshow so far)
Because I grew up around the disability, both in my sister, and her friends and classmates, I have never been anything less than 100% sure they can accomplish anything with the right help and motivation. It never occurred to me to think otherwise, it never seemed odd, because it was the only thing I'd ever been exposed to. As I've grown up, I've realized not anyone has the same view. Many of ignorant of the disorder, sometimes even rudely. As with most things, ignorance only makes things worse for both parties, and the best way to combat ignorance is education.
Down Syndrome is a fairly common genetic disorder occurring in 1 in every 1000 live births in the United States.
Down Syndrome is characterized by mental and physical disabilities, notably distance facial appearance, low muscle tone, and a learning disability. The severity differs by person.
Not many people understand it, or what these kids (and adults) are capable of.
That is why I started DownsButNotOut.
To raise awareness for Down Syndrome, and advocate for these individuals, because they really are something.
Most people just don't understand it yet.
The Name:
The saying "Down but not out" began as a boxing term, meaning, the fighter was knocked down, off his feet, but wasn't down for the count, and was able to continue the fight. It is now a common expression indicating one is going to continue to fight, and will not be discouraged.
Down Syndrome is often called "Downs".
As the purpose of this website is to raise awareness of the disorder and what individuals with the disorder can accomplish. The name seemed apt.
My name is Samantha Bonge. When I was six years old, my sister, Alexa, was born with Down Syndrome.
(You can see her in all the pictures on the home-screen slideshow so far)
Because I grew up around the disability, both in my sister, and her friends and classmates, I have never been anything less than 100% sure they can accomplish anything with the right help and motivation. It never occurred to me to think otherwise, it never seemed odd, because it was the only thing I'd ever been exposed to. As I've grown up, I've realized not anyone has the same view. Many of ignorant of the disorder, sometimes even rudely. As with most things, ignorance only makes things worse for both parties, and the best way to combat ignorance is education.
Down Syndrome is a fairly common genetic disorder occurring in 1 in every 1000 live births in the United States.
Down Syndrome is characterized by mental and physical disabilities, notably distance facial appearance, low muscle tone, and a learning disability. The severity differs by person.
Not many people understand it, or what these kids (and adults) are capable of.
That is why I started DownsButNotOut.
To raise awareness for Down Syndrome, and advocate for these individuals, because they really are something.
Most people just don't understand it yet.
The Name:
The saying "Down but not out" began as a boxing term, meaning, the fighter was knocked down, off his feet, but wasn't down for the count, and was able to continue the fight. It is now a common expression indicating one is going to continue to fight, and will not be discouraged.
Down Syndrome is often called "Downs".
As the purpose of this website is to raise awareness of the disorder and what individuals with the disorder can accomplish. The name seemed apt.
