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Community Corner

Having Given Pep Talk to Bruins, John Dunleavy to Deliver Keynote Speech at the MDSC's 30th Annual Champions Conference

Burlington, MA – On Saturday, March 22, one day after World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress holds its 30th Annual Conference to celebrate the true Champions of the Down syndrome movement here in Massachusetts and demonstrate the resilience of our community and how we all pull together to ensure that people with Down syndrome everywhere have opportunities to lead fulfilling lives. At the Conference, held at the DCU in Worcester, Massachusetts, John Dunleavy, a member of our Self Advocate Advisory Council, will deliver the Keynote Address. John has come to the attention of the media recently for giving a rousing pep talk to Boston Bruins players. 

John Dunleavy has worked for the Boston Bruins less than two years. Four days a week, from his home in Winchester, John takes the commuter rail to the TD Garden, where he is responsible for mailings, maintaining photocopiers, filling orders, and stocking the break room. He has his own official badge, which allows him to cross the street to another building to work on ticketing projects for the Bruins and Celtics. John even works the games, carrying cables and taking care of other tasks in the control room.

In his short time there, John has already become a well-loved member of the Bruins front office.  Because of his enthusiasm, the cameramen working the games routinely find John and show him on the Jumbotron for the whole crowd to enjoy. In mid November, Bruins Coach Claude Julien asked John to give his team a pre-game pep-talk. As highlighted on the New England Sports Channel's "Behind the B", after John's speech the Bruins went on to an overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Later that month, John was asked to be the honorary coach for the Boston Bruins Alumni as they faced off against the MDSC All-Stars in our annual charity hockey game.

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The Annual Conference is among the largest educational events on Down syndrome in the nation. It brings together over 600 people with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across New England attend our Annual Conference on Down syndrome. Participants gather to hear the latest research findings and timely information from national and local experts on a range of topics related to Down syndrome. They also share stories, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite with other MDSC families. The conference features presentations that will appeal to families with young children through adulthood and families with children who have complex medical needs and autism. In addition, there will be presentations that will appeal to educators, medical professionals, and siblings of individuals with Down syndrome.

This year’s theme “Champions!” is based on the Boston Strong mentality of people coming together to overcome challenges and the positive sense of community pride that has developed as a result. John is a true Champion, and we are thrilled to have him go from addressing the Bruins to giving the keynote address at our 30th Annual Conference. He will join over 600 people with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across New England who will gather to hear the latest research findings and timely information from national and local experts on a range of topics related to Down syndrome.

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About Down Syndrome
World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is celebrated annually on March 21. This date, 3/21, was chosen because Down syndrome occurs when a person has three (rather than two) copies of the 21st chromosome. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to more than 60 today. People with Down syndrome attend school, work; participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.

About the MDSC
As we have over the past nearly three decades, the MDSC continues to ensure that all individuals in Massachusetts with Down syndrome are valued, included, and given every opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives. In the early years, parents met in a living room to share information about their children, provide support for each other and strategize how to educate their families, schools and communities. More than 28 years later, the MDSC has over 3,000 members, an energetic Board of Directors, a dynamic management team, and a vision to ensure that every person with Down syndrome has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Today, the MDSC is on the cutting edge of Down syndrome advocacy at a time when an innovative, forward-thinking vision is needed.

The MDSC offers a broad array of programs to serve people with Down syndrome and their families throughout the state, including: our signature Parent’s First Call Program, a volunteer, state-wide group of trained parent mentors available 24/7 that is a national model; two major annual conferences that draw national and international experts in their fields; a Buddy Walk® Program that gives individuals, schools, community groups, and local businesses an opportunity to get involved in fundraising campaigns and events year-round;  Self-Advocate Programs like Advocates in Motion and our Self-Advocate Advisory Council, which provide opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome while making empowerment a central component.

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