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Dino Ballerina
Julia is in 10th grade at West High School in Madison, Wisconsin. An honor roll student with autism, Julia loves her classes in pottery, computer illustration, choir and earth science. Her favorite way of working on social skills is cheering for the West High Regents. After school, she likes to watch Voltron Legendary Defenders and draw the paladin, Pidge.
Design Benefits
Julia’s design is raising money for the Sun Prairie chapter of The Penguin Project, an organization which gives young people with special needs the chance to perform in musical theater. It partners artists with disabilities with peer mentors, and together they put together a musical. Julia has been in two Penguin Project productions, School House Rock and the Wizard of Oz.
Owl on a Branch
Christopher is a spunky, little boy who happens to have Down Syndrome. Christopher has had a rough go from the start. Christopher was born with a heart condition that required him to have OHS at just 4 months old. Has endured RSV, HMPV, Lung lavage, t&a, and has just had a procedure at the hospital on Thursday to remove a couple of baby teeth as well as odontomas. Christopher enjoys being with his typical peers, has been riding horses since he was 4 years old and loves playing basketball, baseball, fishing and just being a boy.
Dueces/I Love You
Reese was born on September 16, 2011 & surprised us with a diagnosis of Down syndrome along with a congenital heart defect. We spent much of her first year at Children’s Mercy Hospital rotating through a variety of specialties, including cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, gastroenterology, audiology, ophthalmology & endocrinology. CMH was like a second home to us. On April 25, 2012, Reese underwent open heart surgery that literally saved her life. We are forever indebted to the staff at Children’s Mercy & would like to give a little back to show our appreciation.
As a toddler, Reese received weekly PT, OT & speech therapy. She showed an early affinity for sign language & ASL was her primary mode of communication until her speech emerged. Although she now rarely signs, we will always hold sign language near & dear to our heart. Reese loves school & just graduated from first grade. In her spare time, she takes dance & gymnastics, films makeup “tutorials” and terrorizes her three sisters. Reese loves animals (she has three dogs, two cats & a revolving door of foster animals), so we decided to partner with the animal therapy program at CMH for this project.
Reese’s sister, Reagan, is the most artistically inclined person in our family, so she helped Reese with the designs. Reagan drew the majority of the images while Reese added the color & text. It was such a fun collaboration for the two.
Design Benefits
Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Music Is Love
Rhett was born with an unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome at birth and from the moment
his parents knew, they began to advocate for him. They initially set a goal to be the highest
fundraising team at the Buddy Walk for the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, so
with the help of some of their favorite Texas Country artists, they were able to raise over
$50,000 the first year and far surpass their goal. Since that year, they have begun their own
501-c3 Non-Profit organization called Rhett’s Roadies. Every year, at least ten local artists
donate their time and talent at this free event at Billy Bob’s Texas. It’s an all-day event that
involves great music, a silent and live auction and an all-around great time. The monies raised
at Rhett’s Roadies is split between the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, a
wonderful resource for local families of people with Down syndrome, and KinderFrogs School at
TCU, an amazing program for children from 18 months to 6 years old, that prepares them to
enter and thrive in an inclusive school setting. In the past, they have also donated to the Fort
Worth Dream Park that was opened in 2019, and allows children of all abilities to play freely.
The event has been held for 9 years and counting and has raised over $500,000 so far for the
Down syndrome community. Although the money raised is helpful for these programs, their
main objective is to promote acceptance and inclusion for all people with Down syndrome.
Rhett is an 8-year-old boy with Down syndrome, and the inspiration for the non-profit
organization, Rhett’s Roadies. He is in 2 nd grade at his local elementary school in Aledo, Texas.
He is a lover of Texas Country music, especially Cody Canada and the Departed, roping his calf
dummies, riding horses, farm animals, and all things cowboy! On any given day, you can find
him watching rodeo videos on YouTube and rough-housing with his little brother, Knox. It’s rare
to see him without a beautiful smile on his face and a rope in his hand. He, with the help of
Knox, created some great art for Paper-Clouds Apparel in hopes for more awareness and
inclusion for people with Down syndrome!
Design Benefits
Rhett’s Roadies
Wonderfully Made
Colt was born in July 2014, surprising everyone with his extra chromosome. His smile, love, funny faces, dancing, singing, and insistence on high-fiving or hugging every single person, added so much joy and love to his family, but he didn’t stop there. God used Colt to open their hearts to the needs of children all around the world, with a special calling to those with Down syndrome, leading them to Reece’s Rainbow, an organization whose mission is to find families for children with Down syndrome, who are languishing and hidden away in orphanages and mental institutions in other parts of the world.
Through Reece’s Rainbow, Colt and his family found his baby brother Nic, who was left in an orphanage in Ukraine because he had Down syndrome.
Nic was brought home one week before his 1st birthday in January 2017. He and Colt have been best friends and partners in crime from the very first day. They now spend their days dancing, singing, hugging, stealing cookies, spreading joy and showing the world just how downright wonderfully made they are through Instagram @downrightwonderful .
Their older siblings Luke, Ryann, Graci, Presli and Morgan helped draw the pictures and used Colt and Nic’s hand prints and fingerprints for the artwork
Design Benefits
Reece’s Rainbow advocates and finds families for orphans internationally with Down syndrome and other special needs by raising funds for adoption grants and promoting awareness through an online community, media communications, and other events.
Josh/Bandana
Nikki is a 16 year old student at San Tan Foothills High School. She has been drawing since she was a little girl. She especially enjoys drawing anime. Her lifelong dream is to be an artist with Flipline studios or another animation company. Nikki’s family is from Vietnam. Her Mom, Dad, older sister and younger brother live in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Nikki has Autism, but she doesn’t ever let that stop her from chasing her dreams! Just like Josh, she focuses on her Abilities and works hard everyday to become a better artist. She draws every day, every chance she gets. She practically goes through a sketch book a week! Nikki also loves to go shopping, but she is very careful with her money. Nikki wanted to enter the contest to draw Josh the Doodle because when she met Josh, she fell instantly in love with him and still talks about meeting him!
Design Benefits
The Be Like Josh foundation is a non profit organization dedicated to celebrating animals with special needs. Not only do they survive, but they thrive and inspire. Through our journey of saving these dogs, we are able to educate people and younger generations, about the beauty of special abilities.
Cupcake
Emma is a very happy 11 yr. old who loves life. She was born at 27 weeks and weighed 2 lbs. 14 oz. She developed a brain bleed at birth and this caused her to have Cerebral Palsy. She spent 72 days in the NICU and it was during her stay in the NICU when we realized how tough she would be. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy one week before her first birthday.
Emma began physical therapy during her first year of life and she started school at the age of 18 months. The teachers and professionals along the way have helped Emma develop a positive attitude and have given her a life without limitations. She loves going to school so she can see her friends and has always been very social. During Kindergarten, Emma explained to her class why she was in a wheelchair and uses a walker. One of the kids asked, “What is Cerebral Palsy?” Emma answered, “When I was born, I got a boo-boo on my brain.” Emma has not let CP get in the way of her dreams. She has always wanted to dance and walk by herself.
On June 6th, 2013 Emma had spinal surgery to help her reach her dream of walking. Emma took this surgery on with a smile and has undergone extensive physical therapy. She has made amazing progress and can now take up to 3 independent steps! She currently goes to physical therapy 3 times a week and continues to persevere. She has inspired many and we are very proud of what she has accomplished in such a short time. Emma recently had an assignment at school and was to give advice to a baby on their first day here on earth. This is what she wrote, “Some days you will pass the test. Some days you will get the answers wrong. Some days you will reach your dreams. Some days you will lose your grip. It’s just how it is here. Enjoy your new life!” She is a beautiful, caring, and bright young lady. You can follow Emma’s amazing journey on her Facebook page!!
Design Benefits
Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child, just as every child has hopes and dreams for themselves and their futures. Emma’s Cupcake design will help parents and their young adults with special needs progress toward their hopes and dreams through participation in the numerous educational, social and career development opportunities available in the District’s post-secondary program. In Dublin, Ohio, the staff of the postsecondary programs is providing amazing, high-quality, outcome-focused opportunities to individuals between the age of 18 and 22 who require individualized transition programming and supports. Please Support the #DublinDifference Project!!
Hulk
Regan born 11.13.03 and was diagnosed with autism at 2 years of age when we lived in Belvidere, Illinois. We moved to Beloit, Wisconsin in September of 2006. Regan is 10 years old now and is in the 4th grade. He loves Legos, Superheroes, Annoying Orange, and other YouTube funnies. Regan loves to draw using black ink pens, markers, and crayons and he also enjoys using the paint program on the computer to draw pictures like this Hulk.
Design Benefits
Regan’s Hulk will benefit the National Autism Association!!
Dino Chase
Bronson is 14 and going to High School this year. He loves to draw, write cartoon stories, go to Disneyland and California Adventure, the beach, do Crossfit and he loves to travel. Bronson loves Spongebob Squarepants he is a collector of anything Spongebob. He is growing into his role as “little brother” and it he is starting to give his brother and cousins a run for their money with his newfound attitude.
Design Benefits
Bronson wants to help the homeless and has chosen Cloud Covered Streets for his cause!
Skull
Logan is a 25-year-old young man who is living with Hashimoto’s and developmental disabilities, including Apraxia. He enjoys riding his trike, bowling, fishing, playing basketball and helping with his many, many animals. His family likes to consider him challenged not limited, and you can find out more about him through Logan’s mom, Allyson, chronicles their lives on her Facebook page, The Crumb Diaries.
Design Benefits
Logan’s designs are raising money for Logan’s Fund, a trust fund set up to be set aside for Logan should anything happen to his parents.
Ziggy (Bowie Design)
Elizabeth discovered her love of the arts just two years ago after becoming a wonderful addition to the One Step Beyond Art Studio.
Elizabeth’s favorite thing about art? “Well…Everything! I love to challenge myself and keep trying new things in art” Elizabeth would like to show her love of art to the world in hopes that others will enjoy her work as much as she enjoys making it. Elizabeth has truly blossomed in such a short amount of time already having her work shown at Avondale Culture Pop Festival last year.
Design Benefits
Proceeds from this design benefit One Step Beyond, Inc. OSBI offers programs that allow those with intellectual disabilities the opportunities required and desired to grow in skills, personal relationships, and inclusion in their community. One Step Beyond launched in 2003 with 16 participants in a small neighborhood location and has now grown to answer the needs of more than 450 individuals who have intellectual disability in four locations. Their focus is to open arms to individuals and their families who seek our programs and continue to live up to our name by going One Step Beyond the status quo for programs that serve individuals who have intellectual disability.
Spidey
Asher is 7 years old and he sports an extra 21st chromosome, which we like to call the “love” chromosome. The doctors call it Down syndrome. Asher also has apraxia of speech, which makes him non-verbal (but we are working very hard in therapy to help him beat that diagnosis). He uses sign language and a speech device to communicate right now.
Design Benefits
When AAsher’s 3rd birthday was coming up (12-12-12), we decided to do something extra special since it fell on such a cool date and that’s where it all began………We thought about a special party or something surrounding the number 12 and that grew into 12 days of gifts!! Since he was going to be turning “3”, we decided that we would give 3 gifts per day for 12 days leading up to his actual birthday! Birthday gifts for others!!! What I didn’t realize when we decided to embark on this journey was the overwhelming joy that not only the recipients would experience, but the joy that EVERYONE experienced!!! This tiny little boy with so many odds against him was changing people, one heart and mind at a time! It didn’t start off as a way to raise awareness for Down syndrome, but it just happened!!
Sally / Jack
Brooklinn was 11 years old when she created this design she and lives in Washington State with her mom, dad and sister. Brooklinn was born with severe to profound hearing loss. By the time she was 3 years old she had lost all her hearing and received her first cochlear implant. When she was 7 years old she received her second cochlear implant.
Brooklinn LOVES to draw, she doesn’t go anywhere without her sketch pad and colored pencils. When she’s not drawing she loves playing volleyball and is active in 4H where she is her club’s historian. Brooklinn likes reading Goosebumps books and the Dear America book. She loves unicorns and her favorite movies are The Nightmare Before Christmas and Where the Red Fern Grows. Her favorite holiday is Halloween and she loves hanging out with her family and friends. Something that is very unique about Brooklinn is that she has two different colored eyes. One is blue and one is hazel!
Design Benefits
Brooklinn was born with profound hearing loss, she wears cochlear implants which are good in small groups, but large groups it is difficult for her to hear and she misses out on things. We are raising money for an FM system that connects her cochlear implants and to make sure Brooklinn has the updates she needs to be able to hear properly.
Inclusion
Madeline is a unique 22-year-old model from Brisbane, Australia. Madeline notably, has been dubbed by the press not only a Super Model, but “the world’s most famous model with Down Syndrome.” This incredibly courageous, beautiful, and talented young woman has had astonishing success in the short time she has been modelling, and has captured media attention both in Australia and internationally.
Design Benefits
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Established in 2009, Global has the primary focus of supporting the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first organization in the US with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care.
Chompin' Cancer
Eli lost his little sister Ava to cancer when she was almost 5 and he was 6. Eli and Ava were best friends.
Ava was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer, when she was just 1.5 years old. Eli was by Ava’s side for all of her treatment – never giving her special treatment and always treating her just like any other little sister. Eli and Ava both wanted to make sure that no other kids ever get cancer and if they did get cancer they wanted to make sure that they would get better fast.
Design Benefits
Chrisie Funari, Eli and Ava’s mom, started the 501(c)(3) non profit organization Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children after Ava passed away to stay true to her children’s wishes and help cure children with cancer right here in Arizona. Eli is Co-President of the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children children’s program, Ava’s Angels; a unique program where kids can help kids with cancer.
Fire Truck
Justin is 38 years old and works at a wood shop in a supported vocational program in Tucson, Arizona. Justin loves to exercise, draw pictures, listen to music, and anything fireman related. He is close with his family (especially his uncles!) and enjoys spending time with them while rock climbing and canoeing. Justin has a dog, Koty, and two cats, Jacob Marley and Jordin Sparks. Justin has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome with Autism Spectrum Disorder but his disability certainly does not define him!!
What Would Love Do
Griffin is a teenager who loves playing classical music on the piano, being out in nature, and playing retro video games. He has his own YouTube channel where he shares his poetry, his thoughts on having Aspergers, and his piano playing. “What Would Love Do?” is a mantra Griffin and his mom share to help him in challenging moments. He and his parents are also in a documentary that shares a bit about their life and some of the challenges they face.
Owl
Malcolm is rarely seen without a pencil or paint brush in hand. He is well-known for is incredible attention to the smallest of details as well as his truly brilliant eye for color. Malcolm loves every art medium that he is able to get his hands on in The One Step Beyond Art Studio. He uses them all to create truly stunning works of art, animals being his favored subject.
Malcolm has had his work featured at Art One Gallery in Scottsdale, Avondale Culture Pop Festival and currently has pieces on display at Sunsational Coffee in Surprise.
Design Benefits
Proceeds from this design benefit One Step Beyond, Inc. OSBI offers programs that allow those with intellectual disabilities the opportunities required and desired to grow in skills, personal relationships, and inclusion in their community. One Step Beyond launched in 2003 with 16 participants in a small neighborhood location and has now grown to answer the needs of more than 450 individuals who have intellectual disability in four locations. Their focus is to open arms to individuals and their families who seek our programs and continue to live up to our name by going One Step Beyond the status quo for programs that serve individuals who have intellectual disability.
Vader
Wyatt is a 5 yr old on the autism spectrum.
Wyatt is extremely smart, he loves to learn about anything novel and really enjoys being read to, especially if it’s about Star Wars. When Wyatt grows up he wants to be a scientist.
Design Benefits
Established in 1997, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community. They are one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting edge research.