Meet our 2023 Annual Award Winners…
Joseph O. Thomas Volunteer Award goes to Pam Taylor – For extraordinary volunteer service to Down Syndrome of Louisville. “Pam has been dedicating her time and talents to DSL for many years She unselfishly gives of her time. Her hours devoted behind the scenes would be impossible to add up!” “Pam is always willing to help […]
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DSL Executive Director Named 2023 “Most Admired Woman”
We are thrilled to announce that Julie Torzewski, Executive Director at Down Syndrome of Louisville, has been honored as Today’s Woman Magazine’s “Most Admired Woman” in the category of “Community and Sisterhood”! Julie’s dedication and passion for advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and their families have made her an inspiring leader. She has transformed […]
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Celebrating Love and Generosity: Tommy and Jennifer Lankswert’s Wedding Donation to Down Syndrome of Louisville
Love has the power to bring people together and inspire acts of kindness. In a heartwarming gesture, Tommy and Jennifer Lankswert recently celebrated their marriage by making a remarkable decision. Instead of asking for traditional wedding gifts, they chose to support a cause close to their hearts: Down Syndrome of Louisville. This selfless act not […]
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Academy Members from Down Syndrome of Louisville Embrace Gardening
The Academy members from Down Syndrome of Louisville have embarked on a gardening journey, showcasing their determination and love for nature. By cultivating their own garden, these individuals have discovered a newfound sense of independence, community, and accomplishment. Gardening has proven to be a therapeutic activity for the Academy members from Down Syndrome of Louisville, […]
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Kindness Warriors Training at Amazon Fosters Inclusivity
Recently, Down Syndrome of Louisville visited Amazon to conduct Kindness Warrior Training for some of their SDF9 leaders. The Kindness Warrior training is a unique and inclusive etiquette program aimed at fostering empathy, respect, and kindness. Kindness Warrior Training: Cultivating Empathy and Inclusion Kindness Warrior Training is an innovative program designed to equip individuals from […]
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Embracing Diversity and Empowering Voices: Actors Theatre’s Commitment to Inclusion
In the pursuit of fostering inclusivity and giving voice to underrepresented communities, Actors Theatre of Louisville has taken a significant step by hiring disabled teaching artists to work with a diverse group of students. Among these exceptional individuals are Madeline Franklin and Megan Mudd, who bring their unique perspectives and talents to the forefront, creating […]
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Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with the Lucky Few Tattoo Event
World Down Syndrome Day is a special occasion that brings together communities worldwide to raise awareness, celebrate individuals with Down syndrome, and promote inclusion. At Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL), we wanted to mark this significant day in a unique and meaningful way- and this year marked the first annual Lucky Few Tattoo event. In […]
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With help of DSL Board Member, Danny Slaton, Kentucky Passes Nondiscrimination Organ Transplant Bill (HB238)
May 1st: The Bill is signed and it’s now official! Thank you Governor Andy Beshear, #TeamKentucky, and Danny Slaton for this HUGE step forward! DSL advocated for this legislation to prevent discrimination based solely on disability in the organ transplantation process for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities should they experience discrimination. Governor Beshear said […]
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Grant Gupton and Macy Knights Honorary Captains at Racing
🎉 We are thrilled to share that two of our own, Grant Gupton and Macy Knights from Down Syndrome of Louisville, were recently named honorary captains for Racing Louisville women’s football team! 🏆 As honorary captains, they were featured on the jumbotron and given the incredible opportunity to attend the team’s training and experience the […]
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Gary Palmisano, VP of Racing at Churchill Downs, 2023 Gallop Gala Friendship Award Winner
Each year our Friendship Award is presented to an organization or individual who has shown an exceptional level of support for DSL. This year’s recipient doesn’t have a family member with Down syndrome. But he has a can-do attitude, a kind personality, and a big heart, especially for our amazing members. He has been unbelievably […]
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Down Syndrome of Louisville Raises $270,822 at 12th Annual Gallop Gala
Photo by Bill Wine Photography LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Down Syndrome of Louisville’s (DSL) 12th Annual Gallop Gala commenced Friday night at the Galt House Hotel with $270,822 raised to help support the world’s largest and most advanced regional Down syndrome community that serves 24 counties throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana. The funds raised will benefit DSL’s mission […]
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DSL Advocating in Washington, DC
Down Syndrome of Louisville members, Lucas Fortwengler and Chris Payne are attending the 2023 NDSS Advocacy Conference on March 17-19 in Washington DC along with Board Vice-President, Danny Slaton, and Executive Director, Julie Torzewski. They will be learning about all of the legislative priorities on the Down syndrome community on the hill and then advocating […]
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Ellie Parnell: Ellie’s new valentine’s pj’s are perfect for heart week!
Allen Norton: “More than 50% of babies with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect, and the most common type is an AVSD. Allen’s heart defect, which was also an AVSD, was detected on an ultrasound when I was 16 weeks pregnant and that is why we decided to do further testing to find out that he would have Down syndrome
