Flippin resident Dana Warren is the coordinator for a Down Syndrome Awareness event for supporting and celebrating families who have children with Down syndrome. The free get together is scheduled for Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at Flippin City Park. Free hot dogs and bottled water will be on hand with a donation jar set out to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
Warren’s son, Remington, also known as “little man”, was born three years ago with Down syndrome. In October of that year, Warren says, she decided to get together with her family at the park in Flippin to celebrate with him in a manner similar to an annual event held every year in Little Rock. Warren says the family couldn’t attend that event, because it was during the week, so they decided to create their own, and it has since blossomed.
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Last year’s event grew, thanks in part to Flippin Mayor Jerald Marberry’s suggestion, and saw people from Mountain Home, Yellville and some from over an hour-and-a-half away in attendance.
Warren says many people, especially other children, are misinformed about the chromosonal condition and are either uncomfortable around someone with Down syndrome or don’t know how to act. She hopes this gathering will not only bring those with children who have Down syndrome, but also other children and families together as a means of education.
Listen: right-click to download mp3
Warren says she and her family treat Remington just like any other kid. Her goal is to help others understand Down syndrome and realize, although some are different, the condition isn’t incapacitating.
Remington may need a little extra time to complete a task however, he is capable of doing whatever he wants. For example he is a “Mutton Buster” who already rides sheep in the local rodeo.
For more information or to volunteer for Tuesday’s event a Flippin Park call 870-656-2826 or Flippin City Hall at 870-453-8300.
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