Our deepest condolences, World DS month, goodbye from me

It has been almost two weeks since the last enews and in that time we have all been deeply shocked and saddened by the heart-breaking news of Lena Harrap’s tragic death. Please see below a heartfelt message from our committee and staff and the NZDSA committee. Read now 'Our deepest condolences'»

Today is the first day of World Down Syndrome Awareness month, pleased read on to see how we will acknowledge this special month, alongside the NZDSA Virtual Down Syndrome Conference. Also in this update, we tell you about another fabulous person fundraising for the ADSA, via t-shirt sales.

👋 Sadly, this will be my last ADSA enews. After nearly five and a half years with the ADSA, it is time for me to move on to new adventures and challenges - I will be contracting for a while to an IT department at a large government organisation. It has been an amazing experience working for the ADSA. There have been many rewarding and happy moments, but also some very sad times when my heart has broken for the ADSA community. I will miss keeping you all informed about what is going on, but I'm also excited to be taking on a new challenge. Take care everyone, keep safe and enjoy the coming weekend.

E noho ra
Deanne

Our deepest condolences

We hope that you know that you are in our thoughts as we all process the tragic death of Lena Zhang Harrap. Our committee and staff, and the NZDSA National Committee and staff extend their heartfelt condolences to our community.

We are collaborating with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association, UpsideDowns Education Trust and the President of Down Syndrome International so that we can support the Harrap whānau. At this stage, the family have asked for understanding as they do not want our community to organise an event or vigil to honour Lena as they feel it is too soon and they need time and privacy to grieve.

When the time is right for the family, we will share with you how we will show our support to the family. For now, we are providing some useful resources to help with processing grief and bereavement.

RESOURCES

Support & Helplines

Need to talk to a trained Counsellor call or text 1737 any time
Samaritans, for emotional support free call 0800 726 666
Anxiety helpline 0800 260 4389
Lifeline 0800 543 345
Youthline 0800 376 633

The NZDSA will be sharing regular updates so please join so that you are included in all mailouts. Membership is free (visit website to join). You can also call NZDSA if you need support, 0800 693 724.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Our theme is “We Stand Together – E Tū Tāngata”. We would love to feature some of our families on social media throughout October. If you would like to participate, we need a good quality photo of your family, or just your family member with Down syndrome, and a short text - based on “What does standing together mean to you?". Please send to Paula at clo@adsa.org.nz. We would love to show a wide range of ages and to represent all ethnicities.

NZDSA Virtual Down Syndrome Conference

The NZDSA celebrates its 40th anniversary this month! They are hosting the largest Virtual Down Syndrome Conference ever organised in this country, to coincide with World Down Syndrome Month.

There will be a stunning variety of high-profile Kiwi and international expert speakers who will cover a wide range of topics including education, health, speech, relationships, ageing and legal issues.

Read more and check out the full programme of speakers»

T-shirt fundraiser - $5 donated from each order

Ruth from Boxylox is donating $5 from every t-shirt sale to the Down Syndrome Association in NZ that is nearest to where the buyer lives. She has a new range of Down Syndrome awareness t-shirts and will keep adding to the range. Pre-orders finish this Sunday at midnight. After that date, there will be a limited selection of colours to choose from. She is aiming to get orders out by the end of next week. Order here»

Outlook newsletter contributions

Thank you so much to those people who have shared their lockdown stories and photos. We would love some more, so please send them through to Rosie at adminsupport@adsa.org.nz.

Also, if you want to advertise in our Christmas Market via our website and Outlook, please contact Paula today at clo@adsa.org.nz.

Please email Rosie or Paula at the addresses above if have any questions regarding the events and news highlighted in this update.

Kind regards

Deanne Douglas
Communications Coordinator

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DISCLAIMER
Through our email campaigns, the Auckland Down Syndrome Association (ADSA) will attempt to report items of interest relating to Down syndrome. We do not promote or recommend any therapy, treatment, agency, product, political position, religion or advice. The opinions expressed in these emails are not necessarily those of the ADSA. The email editor reserves the right to make corrections to materials submitted for inclusion. All photos provided for email campaigns becomes the property of the ADSA and can be used in other ADSA communications.