Emily Player, am a speech language pathologist working in Central PA since 1998 with Early Intervention (Birth to Three). During this time I've had many wonderful experiences working with children with Down Syndrome (DS). Indeed, my son is named for one of my clients!  Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group (CPADSAG) is a local group that helps families of both children and adults with Down Syndrome.  As a therapist working with these families, I have seen how CPADSAG has evolved as an organization and how it has provided families with much needed opportunities for networking, friendships, and community resource information.

Because children with DS typically have medical issues that need to be addressed (such as eye surgery, heart surgery or low muscle tone) knowledge of medical resources is paramount.  As a speech therapist it is reassuring to me to know that CPADSAG is there for my families. Therefore I have decided to attempt a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro as a way to raise funds for this very valuable organization.

In addition, although there is no way for me to actually walk in my clients' shoes, I hope that the effort I am putting forth will be seen as a symbolic gesture. My way of recognizing the supreme efforts these families make each day. This then is my attempt to walk in their shoes, if only for a brief moment of time.

I will be leaving for my Climb Up for Down Syndrome on January 12, 2011 and returning January 28, 2011.  To read more about my journey click here. 

CPADSAG is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is run solely by donations.  There is no paid staff so 100% of the donations is used to support their mission of promoting the acceptance and awareness of people with Down syndrome in the community.  Climb Up for Down Syndrome is how I am supporting the mission of CPADSAG.

You can support me and my journey Climb Up for Down Syndrome by making a donation to CPADSAG.  There are two easy donation options:

Donate online(please dedicate your donation to Emily Player):

or mail your donation to (please write Emily Player in the memo):

CPADSAG

175 Briarwood Lane

Carlisle, PA 17015