Local parents are using a sweet and unique way to raise awareness about World Down Syndrome Day.
Ian Thompson and his wife, Sarah Valiquette-Thompson, became strong advocates of Down syndrome after their son, Harvey, was diagnosed with the condition prenatally.
There are an estimated 45,000 Canadians with Down syndrome, according to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. It may be detected through prenatal testing or after birth through a blood test.
Receiving the diagnosis, she said, was overwhelming for both her and her husband; she said she was 'petrified.'
“We were running around reading up on any resources we could consult,” said Valiquette-Thompson. “It was very new for me because I didn't have anyone in my family with Down syndrome. It's a very similar experience for families who are given this diagnosis.”
That’s why both of them have taken up the cause to raise awareness about the condition and to make sure information is made available to families receiving the diagnosis.
Valiquette-Thompson has been working with other parents to have legislation passed to ensure appropriate information is shared with families at the appropriate time.
“What we found was that some families didn't receive any information at all,” she said.
“We're trying to stress and communicate that we want to have that information put into the hands of the family that receives the diagnosis. It can help them along their journey and give them support resources," said the entreprenuer and Severn Township councillor.
Thompson and Valiquette-Thompson have also worked with a local chocolatier to create a custom chocolate bar in an effort to raise awareness around Down syndrome for the upcoming World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21.
The S'more to Love chocolate bars are sold at various places in Orillia and Severn Township for $10 (plus tax) to raise funds for Down Syndrome Association of Ontario (DSAO).
“My husband loves food and cooking so we decided to do something around this,” said Valiquette-Thompson.
The two met with the owners of Georgian Chocolate Co., from Severn Township, and sampled their product.
Once that was determined to be of satisfaction, Thompson reached out to Georgian Chocolate Co. and asked if it would be possible to have the bars wrapped in a customized cover.
“We had a local artist, Mary Davidson, work with Ian's vision of what he wanted to see,” said Valiquette-Thompson. “We wanted it to be symbolic of Harvey's life and what he represents.”
The bar has a smiling photo of 19-month-old Harvey sitting in a Muskoka chair, holding a campfire stick with three marshmallows on it.
That one extra marshmallow is a special one, said Valiquette-Thompson, and that's to symbolize the extra chromosome that is part of the genetic makeup of someone with Down syndrome.
“The stick has the Lucky Few, a symbol for Down Syndrome,” she said. “(Harvey) is wearing a sweater that says Embrace Difference, and he's wearing funky mismatched socks that's globally recognized to represent World Down Syndrome Day.”
Behind Harvey is a tree with a palm print on it. The print has a single crease right across it, and that's a universally recognized trait for an individual that has Down syndrome, said Valiquette-Thompson.
“We also had Mary do blue and yellow in the campfire; they are the colours of Down syndrome,” she said.
Valiquette-Thompson said it’s important for families to be able to learn as much as they can about their diagnosis, because it helps prepare them for the birth and life after the birth.
Looking back on how their lives have changed as a family, she said, they’ve all begun to appreciate life more.
“Pre-Harvey, my husband and I were so caught up in everyday stresses and life,” said Valiquette-Thompson. “It's easy to say you should live in the moment but it's harder to actually do it. For the first time in our lives, we can say we do live in the moment, and it's an amazing feeling being in that moment.”
The main thing is to see that everyone is unique in their own way, she said.
“Although Harvey might have an extra chromosome, which can make him different, he is so incredibly special in his own way,” said Valiquette-Thompson. “That's the main thing, to learn more about it and to try not to pre-judge anybody.”
She said Harvey is a kind, gentle and loving child, who adores his sister, enjoys hanging out with her, and the rustic outdoors.
Valiquette-Thompson said they have found a lot of support in groups and associations around Down syndrome, and that’s why they’re trying to give back.
“We have a special job now to help our community continue to raise awareness,” she said.
Another way of supporting their cause is by signing a letter supporting the legislation. To do that, go to the DSAO website and click on Letter Writing Campaign to show support.
There are no Barrie locations for S'mores of Love, but anyone interested in supporting the initiative can order through rcottage.ca. Free deliveries throughout Simcoe County will be made all day on Tuesday.
Those looking to buy can also e-transfer money to [email protected].
“If people want to follow Harvey's journey,” said Valiquette-Thompson, “we can be found on Instagram under the handle @highfiveharvey. People can reach out and ask questions or share their stories.”
Last year, she said, those who wore funky mismatched socks on March 21 shared their photos with her and her husband, using the hashtag #rockyoursocks.
To read more about Down syndrome, visit Canadian Down Syndrome Society, Global Down Syndrome Association, Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network and Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County.
