National Down Syndrome Society: DC Leadership Network Kickoff

July 15, 2014 • Leave a Comment

National Down Syndrome Society:

First Annual DC Leadership Network Kick-Off Event

On the eve of the NDSS Caring with Congress event, which benefits The Down Syndrome Research Innovation and Discovery Fund, I thought we'd take a few minutes to look back on last year's awesome event.

senate, congress, "house of representatives", congressmen, government, dc, washington, woman, women, NDSS, "National Down Syndrome Association", "Down Syndrome", ADA, America, US, USA, super, hero, heros, heroines

The NDSS DC Leadership Network held it's first event last July. More than 20 members of Congress received the "superhero award" (which, by the way was totally awesome - as you can see above) for their work on Capitol Hill on behalf of those with Down Syndrome.

I found myself in the lucky position to photograph this event; I jumped at the chance to support such an amazing cause - with the support of Emma Noelle Photography.

Down syndrome has always been close to my heart. When I was about three years old, my mom's coworker and close friend had a daughter with Down syndrome. A few years later, the family adopted two more children with Down syndrome. I grew up with them; they were the happiest, most caring family I'd ever met. I learned so much from that family; I think of them often and have carried the lessons they taught with me throughout my life.

I spent a lot of time preparing to photograph the many members of Congress who would be in attendance and started to get really nervous as the event approached (as you may have seen in my Twitter or Instagram post last week). I've met Maryland State Senator Nancy Jacobs and certainly live in one of the most politically active places on the planet, but more than 20 members in one room? All fighting for an incredible cause (among many other items that are also super important - obviously)? That sounded pretty intimidating. But, it wasn't. Everyone was just SO excited to be there in support of the NDSS. I was in total awe. I wish I could describe how truly inspiring it was to be a part of this event. Instead, I'll just share my photographs and hope that they help you understand was a life-changing moment this was for me.

DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty DC NDSS July 2013 EventWashington, DC NDSS July Event 2013

©Sara (Hartenstine) Alepin
{Photos from the Harty ı Event, Wedding, Portrait Lifestyle Photography}
www.PhotosFromTheHarty.com

(410) 693.0024 ı [email protected]

Twitter: @photosfromhart ı Instagram: @sarawithoutanh ı LinkedIn ı Facebook: @PhotosfromtheHarty Kayla is such a little social butterfly!

You'll find NDSS's official write-up about the event below:

NDSS hosted its kick-off of the NDSS DC Leadership Network at a Capitol Hill reception on Wednesday, which turned out 22 US Representatives. NDSS recognized these members of Congress as NDSS Capitol Hill Superheroes for all their work on behalf of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. These members include:

Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY)
Rep. Dan Benishek (R-MI)
Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Rep. Mike Burgess (R-TX)
Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL)
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)
Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)
Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC)
Rep. Tim Griffin (R-AK)
Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI)
Rep. Mark Meadows Meadows (R-NC)
Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL)
Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI)
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN)
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH)

“NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities and we are grateful for the work of theses members on the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus and their support of legislation like the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act,” said NDSS VP of Advocacy & Affiliate Relations Sara Hart Weir.

The event took place at the American Legion, with over 75 guests in attendance to support the honorees and thank them for their advocacy on behalf of people with Down syndrome. “I'm honored to serve as keynote speaker for the NDSS Leadership Network event. I admire their work on inclusion & breaking stereotypes,” tweeted Rep. Jim Langevin from the event. NDSS looks forward to continued work with all of the honorees to promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome through legislative action.

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