here is the press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

***PRESS RELEASE***

AREA DOWN SYNDROME GROUPS COLLABORATE TO HELP ITALIAN FAMILIES IMPACTED BY EARTHQUAKE

Families from Northeast Ohio Down syndrome organizations are working together with the Associazione Italiana Persone Down in Italy to help families affected by the earthquake on April 6th 2009 in that country. The majority of the damage occurred in the city of L’Aquila and the surrounding villages. Around 300 died and today, 35,000 are still homeless, living in tents. The families in Ohio and Italy may live an ocean apart and speak different languages, but many of them have the common thread of a loved one with Down syndrome.

A local mom, Dawn Brunkalla from the Down Syndrome Support Network of Stark Co, will go to Rome in September to visit her husband teaching with WalshUniversity’s Rome Experience. While in Rome, she will personally meet with officers of the Associazione Italiana Persone Down. As a gesture of support and friendship, she will present donated items for the families affected by the earthquake. “It is important that families support each other in time of need. With the Down syndrome termination rate as high as 90% in some areas, fewer families are choosing to have children with Down syndrome and the rest of us need to show that they are not alone and that we care and are supportive”, says Brunkalla.
Assisting in the effort is the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV). “It isn’t often that you have the opportunity to help people in another country. We are happy that Dawn has spearheaded such a noble endeavor and are pleased to help these families.”

To make a monetary donation for earthquake relief make checks payable to:
NIAF/ Abruzzo Relief Fund
The National Italian American Foundation
1860 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Or
American Red Cross/ Abruzzo Earthquake Relief
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, D.C. 20013
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