[JHeath]

When something happens that changes your life, whether good or otherwise, it causes us to take notice.

This is what happened to our family nearly 12 years ago, when we first found out that our oldest daughter, Libby, would likely be born with Down Syndrome. At the time, we were not sure what to expect; there were so many questions, concerns, and worries. Little did we know that she would be our little ray of sunshine, bringing her own uniqueness and happiness with her everywhere she goes.

Over the last 12 years, we've taught Libby so many things...how to crawl and walk, how to read and write, how to play baseball, soccer, and bowling, and how to dance and sing. At the same time, she has taught us so many things, like how to overcome obstacles--even when others say that it can't or won't likely happen. She has touched so many lives, and has made an impact on others who have taken the time to know who for who she really is: Libby, an energetic, strong-willed girl who will tell you "no" without hesitation, but certainly won't take it for an answer.

This year, my daughters and I will participate in our fourth Michiana Walk for Down Syndrome. We're asking for your support as we try to reach and possibly exceed our fund raising goal. All of the funds raised by this event stay in the Michiana area (which includes St. Joseph, Elkhart, and LaPorte counties in Indiana, as well as Berrien County in Michigan) to provide advocacy and support services for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families, as well as scholarships for these same individuals to attend summer camps and, in some cases, college, and for their families to attend conferences.

If you'd like to learn more about the organization, please visit the website at www.michianadownsyndrome.org.

To make a donation and support our efforts, you can do so online at
http://www.firstgiving.com/jenniferheath.

Thank you, again, for taking the time to read this note, and for your support.