These Letters to the Editor were published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on June 27, 2007

To the Editor:

My son, like Jim Ragsdale’s friend, (June 24 column) has Down syndrome and is actively involved in his community. He has been part of a Rochester dance troupe. He speaks before community groups about his growth as an individual. He went to Washington, D.C. with me and talked with members of Congress about how important it is to get the proper supports so he can thrive as an adult. Parents who find out that they’ll have a child with Down syndrome can call the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota or a local Arc chapter (there are thirteen Arc chapters across Minnesota). With these organizations’ help, we gathered information about Down syndrome, found early intervention services for our son, and helped him find a group home once he graduated from high school. These organizations can help other families face the challenges we’ve faced and continue to face, now that our son receives adult services.

Sincerely,

Les Bauer
Zumbrota, MN

Jim Ragsdale paints a wonderful picture of a man he cares about who has Down syndrome, and it tugs at my heart. I, too, have been blessed with a son who has an extra chromosome. Being Paul’s mom has certainly been a challenge, but it has never been tragic. Many, many others who love and care for a person with disability are enriched in the same ways detailed in this article. We all fear that our world would lose something precious if our lives weren’t touched by people with Down syndrome.

Sincerely,

Mary Fenske
Maple Grove, MN

To the Editor:

Jim Ragsdale’s friend and the performers at Interact Theater (“Safer Tests, More Screening, Fewer People Like My Friend,” June 24) show the dignity and potential of people with Down syndrome and how they contribute to our lives and our society. I know of others with Down syndrome who have defied expectations. One of the most famous is Chris Burke, star of TV’s “Life Goes On.” One of the members of Interact Theater’s troupe performed in a play that ran in a Minneapolis theater. Karen Gaffney, an adult with Down syndrome, graduated from an Oregon community college and swam the English Channel. All people with Down syndrome will not achieve the same accomplishments as these individuals. But parents having children with Down syndrome need to hear all these stories -- from Chris Burke to Jim Ragsdale’s friend. A life with Down syndrome brings challenges, but can it also bring many rewards – both for the individual and those around him or her.

Sincerely,

Carol Sime
St. Paul, MN