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Diamond Lake Elementary School celebrates World Down syndrome Day

Submitted by Steve Paredes

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, Diamond Lake Elementary School has opened its doors to Sonrisitas 21, who are a community group made up of families with children diagnosed with Down syndrome.

"Sonrisitas 21" is Spanish and means "Little Smiles 21" and the number "21" identifies the extra full or partial 21st chromosome which causes the syndrome. Founder Olga Dominguez thanked Principal Kurt Preble, who has welcomed the families, therapists, local vendors and all in attendance to Diamond Lake Elementary School.

The group continues to grow and currently has the commitment of over 27 families and about 200 guests in attendance in celebration who came from surrounding communities in Round Lake, Park Ridge, Wauconda, Aurora and Chicago, Libertyville, Vernon Hills.

"This is the group's second year celebrating the World Down Syndrome Day. The purpose is for the families to have a great time together and to encourage each other," said Maria Paredes, a close friend of Dominguez. "Many families and local vendors donated food, gifts and services."

Dominguez' mission began when she noticed a need of Hispanic mothers of children with Down syndrome, and began meeting with some every other week.

"We need people with the passion for the children to come and join us so we may continue to become a strong group to reach out more families in need," she said

Speech pathologist for children Claudia Vargas Gatza is the therapist for most of the children and joined the group from the beginning and volunteers her time in support. She works with other friends and families of the group to raise resources for the event.

Among the many volunteers of families and friends were also a list of businesses and organizations who donated, like Premier Paving, La Salsa supermarket, Integral Orthodontist, and the Mundelein Citizens Police Academy.

"With the funds raised and the donations given, it made today's events possible to gather all the families to celebrate a time together and enjoy the entertainment," Dominguez said. "We need people with the passion for the children to come and join us and that support with strengthen us as we continue to reach out to more families"

Dominguez's Husband Adrian Salgado explained that his wife also benefits from the group.

"Along with the families of this group, there were also certain key people that were encouraging and offered supportive advice to help motivate her to make this day possible," he said.

Local community leader and supporter Luis Fuentes with his wife Carmen Fuentes, representing the Mundelein Citizens Police Academy, were some of the donors.

"I've known Olga for many years and didn't know until two years ago about her son," Fuentes said. The Fuentes' have a passion for the community and very often attend many local events.

The festivities included family-friendly activities such as games, music, balloon making, face painting, crafts, folkloric dance presentations, dancing and singing. There was great food enough for everyone such as pizza, pasta, gourmet sandwiches, cupcakes, gelatins, ethnic treats and cotton candy. This was all free to all that attended.

Sonrisitas 21's motto is "My happiness is not defined by my chromosome." The celebration ended with their signature parade of all the children through a bubble salute.

For more information about this group or to help, email sonrisitasmychromosome21@yahoo.com

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Diamond Lake Elementary School in Mundelein recently hosted Sonrisitas 21 for their celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. Courtesy of Steve Paredes
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