Today is Giving Tuesday! After a long few days of buying and spending, today we focus on giving back to our communities. To show you the power of your gift, we'd like to tell you about our new Prenatal Diagnosis Support Group.
Last year, DSAW mom Gretchen Dodgion (pictured in cover photo) came to us with the idea of starting a Prenatal Diagnosis Support Group for women who have received a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis. After the birth of her daughter Madeleine, Gretchen realized that she "made it through one of the most difficult challenges in [her] life to receive the most beautiful and special gift imaginable." She wanted to share this message with other women and help them "make it through the challenge of the fear and uncertainty that can often accompany a prenatal diagnosis." This year, her idea blossomed into a virtual, statewide network of supportive friends!
Kristine and her new daughter Aila
Kristine was one of the first women to join the new group. Initially, she was "uncertain about participating in the group because the news about [her] child was so new, the grief and anger were painfully fresh, and [she] felt so alone. [She] wanted to build a network to hear that things were going to be okay and that [she] could have the strength to welcome the child, because [she] couldn't see a way out of the pain that [she] was in."
Since joining the Prenatal Diagnosis Group, Kristine has found "such hope and encouragement in speaking with women who are able to see the gifts in the unexpected." She's developed friendships that she hopes will be lifelong, and she has welcomed her daughter Aila into the world. She continues to join the expectant parents and share her journey with others.
Gretchen has loved leading the group with women like Kristine, and she is thankful that at DSAW's Prenatal Diagnosis Support Group, "friendships have been formed, tears have been shed, hearts have been opened, spirits have been lifted, and hope has been reborn."
You can give messages of hope and support to expectant moms like Kristine by making a gift to DSAW today. When you donate to DSAW, you help fund programs like our Prenatal Diagnosis Support Group that make a significant impact in people's lives.
Today's the day. Will you donate to DSAW in honor of Giving Tuesday?
