DS Action’s Merry All, Comedy Ball 2011 Raises $20,000
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In 2006, there weren’t any medical center’s in California, with a primary focus on individuals with Down syndrome. Many young children were not being provided all of the medical services and early interventions necessary to reach their full potential. This also included care for teens and adults.
Imagine awaiting the birth of a child, only to learn that your baby has Down syndrome. You may be left with many questions, fears and worries about your child’s medical needs and future well-being. You may be grieving the loss of the child that you expected to have.
Newborns and children with Down syndrome often have medical needs relating to heart problems, low muscle tone, thyroid conditions, reflux, respiratory issues, sleep apnea, celiac disease and leukemia. It was the vision of the founding board members, to a begin by opening a medical specialty clinic that would operate utilizing the standard of care guidelines, established by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children with Down syndrome.
In 2007, DS Action partnered with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and established the only Down Syndrome Center in all of Southern California. Since the Center opened in January 2008, it has served over 630 children and their families. DS Action’s Pediatric Down Syndrome Center provides a central location where children can receive nationally recognized, state-of-the-art medical and developmental care. The Center provides support, assessments and referrals to specialists. Periodic comprehensive, multi-disciplinary evaluations assist in meeting the specific and unique medical and developmental needs of individuals with Down syndrome.
Currently, children from newborn to age 5 are seen at the Center, twice a month. The supplemental funds required to operate the Center in its current configuration are approximately $65,000 annually. DS Action provides funding to offset the expenses not reimbursed directly by patients or insurance. Due to the growing demand and the current 6 month wait time for appointments, there is a need to increase availability to weekly clinics. This has increased the funding requirement for DS Action to over $100,000.
In order to fulfill fundraising goals and reduce the waiting list, DS Action has had to focus on creating opportunities which would provide the most financially sound strategies. However, it is also very important to our organization to focus on raising awareness and to involve the community in recognizing the potential of all individuals with Down syndrome.
At DS Action’s Merry All, Comedy Ball, held on December 4th, 2011, we came together as a community to reach our goal of at least $20,000. Celebrity comedians, local businesses, volunteers and families came together to create the largest, most successful awareness and fundraising event that DS Action has ever hosted. Although the event was intended for laughter and holiday cheer, there were tears during the auction. A video was shown, titled “Give Me A Chance”. The video, music and stories of true life situations inspired the audience to donate and show their support. The fundraising goal of $20,000 was met, which allowed for 60 children to be cared for.
More About This Charity
Region
West
Category
Health and Well Being
Name
DS Action
Mission
DS Action’s mission is to identify, define and address the continuing needs of individuals with Down syndrome (DS), and create projects to meet those needs.
Impact
- This Achievement raised $20,000
- This Charity has raised $34,600 in the past year.
- This Charity helped 850 people in the past year.
- This Charity provided funding for over 60 children with Down syndrome and their families/caregivers to enter the Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Works In
United States
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