The vision of DSACT is a world in which all members, including those with Down syndrome, are accepted, valued for their uniqueness, respected for their abilities and contributions, and assured the opportunity and choice to create their own path to fulfillment and success.
Learning to Fly
In an unprecedent event worldwide, two adults with Down syndrome will take to the skies on Saturday, April 19th with 25 other jumpers for the 4th Annual Jump! for Down Syndrome, benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT).
Casey Deegan, 32, and Kathy Kirkpatrick, 47, are shattering stereotypes about Down syndrome and defying any who would place limitations on what they are - or aren't - able to do.
Kathy's parents Janet and George, say that skydiving is nothing out of the ordinary for their courageous daughter, who has already overcome much in her life. "We've always been proud of Kathy," George said. Some of Kathy's other accomplishments include graduation from Lee High School in Midland, Texas and winning two gold meals and one silver in swimming at the 1983 Special Olympics.
This marks Casey's fourth tandem skydive. "If he wants to jump out of a plane, who am I to tell him no?" explains his father Mike Deegan. In the face of many questions, "What if he breaks his leg? What if he hurts himself?," Mike has only one response, ""What if he has the time of his life?"
"I love my son and I don't want anything bad to ever happen to him, but not to the point where nothing good ever happens to him either. I don't look at Casey first with DS. I look at Casey as an individual first and the disability second," Mike asserts.
WHAT: 4th Annual Jump! for Down Syndrome (tandem skydive event)
WHEN: Saturday, April 19th 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Skydive San Marcos, Texas
More information:
If you or someone you know would like to raise awareness and funds for DSACT, contact Danielle Worsfold djworsfold@yahoo.com or call (512) 249-2380 for more information.
(Rain date is set for April 26, 2008)
