Council Member Santosuosso Highlights Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Santosuosso shares the story of her constituent Connor, a child with Down syndrome, to mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month and advocate for early support services.
Thank you, Majority Leader, for a day.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and so I wanted to take my time today to highlight a very special constituent of mine in Bay Ridge, Connor.
Connor was born a year and a half ago with a congenital heart defect and Down syndrome.
After an open heart surgery at just four months old, Connor has been doing eight sessions a week of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
And with the deep love and support of his family and friends, I'm happy to say that Connor is thriving today.
He has said his first words, has a strong bond with his family, and we are all optimistic.
for his future.
Children with Down syndrome deserve our support to lead full and dignified lives.
There are many deep misconceptions about Down syndrome, but Connor's story highlights how we can improve long-term outcomes by starting the work early.
Every kid should have access to the support services that have allowed Connor to overcome so much.
And I'm eager to spend the rest of my time on the council working with my colleagues to improve things for all of those impacted by Down syndrome.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Councilmember.
Councilmember Joseph, followed by Councilmember Shulman.
Thank you, Majority Leader.