News from and for the West Michigan Down syndrome community!
Summer 2018
It has been a busy summer for DSAWM. Following the successful Winners Cup event in the spring, we quickly turned our attention to planning this year's Step Up For Down Syndrome. Step Up is DSAWM's annual fundraiser and Michigan's largest Down syndrome awareness celebration. You can join us at the event next month on September 22nd at Fifth Third Ballpark. More details below. Last month we brought back Bike Camp, Buddy Up Tennis, and Rapid Runners, and introduced a new Skill Building Series. We then had a blast mingling with all of our lovely members at the Member Picnic. It's been a great summer and we are so excited to see you all next month at Step Up!
Allie's Corner
Allie Cowden, Grand Rapids
Allie Cowden is DSAWM's fantastic intern. In this issue's edition of Allie's Corner, Allie speaks about her favorite summer activities, last year of school, and goals for the future.
My Sister Chloe
Peyton Brill, Grand Haven
15 year-old Peyton Brill understands the joys and difficulties that accompany having a sibling with special needs. Her little sister Chloe has Down syndrome, an eye-opening experience that has encouraged Peyton to become one of West Michigan's youngest advocates for people like her sister.
An Inclusive Summer
Katherine Mills, Kalamazoo
Before the birth of her daughter, Katherine Mills had not considered the importance that shared experiences can have for children of differing abilities. Now the mother of a child with Down syndrome, she shares the tools she is using to travel the bumpy road towards inclusion for her daughter.
More News
Thank You
DSAWM would like to thank our donors whose contributions this year have allowed us to expand our outreach and continue to provide programming and services free of charge to our members. We could not do what we do without your support! Stay tuned for our sponsorship brochure, coming this fall, featuring a complete list of our annual donor opportunities.
Special thanks to...
Winners Cup Donors
Aaron Veldheer
Brian & Hope Bayer and Family
Bob Boylen
Byrne Electrical
Carl & Kelly Jandernoa
Die Cad Group
DWH & Associates
EY
Fred & Elaine Cook
James & Mary Nelson
Jason & Jaimie Berris and Family
King Milling
Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
Lakewood Construction
Langlois Construction LLC
Meijer
Michael Lomonaco
Middleville Tool & Die
Miller Johnson
PADNOS
Patty Heffernan
Silver Bullet Firearms and Training
Soraida Edwards
Spectrum Health
Steve & Brenda Heacock
Steve & Christy Sperry
Todd & Melissa Hoefler
Varnum
Wolverine Worldwide Foundation
Step Up Donors
B&B Truck Equipment
Best Financial Credit Union
Bill VanderPoorte, Coldbrook Insurance Group LLC
Dan Vos Construction Company
Elzinga & Volkers Inc.
Hadley
Lakewood Construction
Land & Company
MSU Federal Credit Union
Reeves Plastics
Samuel L Westerman Foundation
Spectrum Health
Steel Systems, Inc.
West Michigan Eyecare Associates

General Donors
Bissell, Inc.
Forest Hills Central High School
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
These donors made gifts of $500 or more to DSAWM since January 2018. Listing as of publication date.
Coming Soon
Mark your calendars with these exciting dates!
Oh, Baby!
Saturday, August 11
Click here for details
Step Up For Down Syndrome
Saturday, September 22
Click here for details
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
233 Fulton St E, Ste 124 | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
 616.956.3488 | victoria@dsawm.org | dsawm.org