Kamdyn is the "My Great Story" of the month

Last month, I submitted a story about World Down Syndrome Day to the NDSS's "My Great Story" section.  It's featured in this month's NDSS Newsletter

My Great Story: Stories of the Month This month we are featuring two stories from the 3/21: World Down Syndrome Day section of the My Great Story campaign. To share your own story visit www.ndss.org/stories and select the 3/21: World Down Syndrome Day section.

World Down Syndrome Day 2011 Tricia Dutterer Hanover, Pennsylvania When my daughter, Kamdyn, was born on April 27, 2010, the diagnosis of Down syndrome shook me to my core. I felt that every dream that I had for her life and mine were snatched away. At that time, I had never even heard of World Down Syndrome Day, and even if I did, I certainly would not have seen it as a day to celebrate. I loved Kamdyn, but I hated Down syndrome. I felt like it had taken away a part of my daughter. As the weeks went on, I began to see that Kamdyn was not just a baby with Down syndrome. She was my baby. She was an amazing being that I had the privilege to know and love and nurture. I began to see that Down syndrome was just a part of her. I still wished I could take that part away, but I knew it was impossible. Then, months passed. Kamdyn smiled and belly-laughed. She rolled over and sat up. And I knew that she was everything that she was always meant to be from the moment she was conceived, and I loved her, all of her, and Down syndrome is a part of her. To take any part of her away, would be to change who she is. She is beautiful. She is joy. So when March 21, 2011 came, I was ready to celebrate. We took a family trip to Hershey's Chocolate World, and then we ate at the Shady Maple in Lancaster, which is about the best buffet around. I look forward to another great celebration this year, as well.