New Fink Cards launched for World Down Syndrome Day
“I wish a set of cards like this had existed when my daughter was born.” Hayley Goleniowska, Downs Side Up
As soon as Hayley heard Lisa’s idea for a set of conversation cards for new parents following a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome, or Trisomy 21, she immediately saw the potential power in the simple concept.
Eight years ago she and husband Bob had struggled to find up to date as they came to terms with their youngest daughter’s diagnosis. She is the first to admit that her fear came from a place of ignorance, and wishes that she could turn back the clock to re-live those precious early days with the knowledge she now has at her disposal.
“Natalia was our beautiful and vulnerable baby first and foremost,” she recalls, “but we were caught up in focusing on her medical condition and a set of predictions for her future. Our baby was unaware of the stigma attached to her extra chromosome and simply needed our love.”
Each year 21st March marks World Down Syndrome Day. It is a time to share resources, to educate and to swap stories.
Hayley says, “I am delighted that we will be launching such an amazing resource on this special day of celebration. I hope the questions will find their way into the hands of those who need them most, and that they will make a big difference to families just starting on the journey we have been travelling for a while.”
Hayley Goleniowska is a writer and speaker, working with parents, teachers and medical professionals as well as self-advocates who have Down’s syndrome.
Her work is internationally renowned and her blog Downs Side Up has won many awards for its outstanding contribution to society. Through her many media interviews she also hopes to gently change the public’s perceptions of the condition.
Hayley and her eldest daughter Mia have recently launched a book for children, entitled I Love You Natty: A Sibling’s Introduction to Down’s Syndrome.
Hayley brings her expertise on talking about Down’s Syndrome for New Parents to Fink Cards where she will publish a new pack to help new parents find the early years’ support they need.
Hayley is passionate about increasing the support that parents receive after unexpected news, whether that comes during pregnancy or after a baby’s birth. By easing their fears and helping them to sort the facts from the myths that often surround Down’s syndrome she hopes to buy them precious quality time with their newborns. For more information visit www.downssideup.com
These are a great idea, and Hayley is brilliant and so inspiring. Thanks for sharing xx #brillblogposts
They really are aren’t the? I look forward to everyone understanding Down Syndrome better and feeling less fearful of it! Thank you for popping in x
This is a great idea and I wish them all the best of luck with it. #sundaystars
It really is isn’t it? Thank you for your lovely message – I’ll pass it on xxxx
What a great idea, thanks for sharing this information and for linking up #bigfatlinky
Thanks to all Hayley’s good work in getting these off the ground. Hopefully lots of people will use them and feel better about having a child with Down Syndrome more quickly as a result. Thanks for popping in x
Thank you so very much for featuring our new cards on your blog. I was se very emotional seeing them in action the baby group, where they sparked really important conversations that let parents know they are not alone.
Hayley
It’s a total pleasure and they’re such a wonderful thing. Thank you so much for launching them!
What a great idea, and this post made me click, 21st, trisomy 21! #bigfatlinky
Thank you so much for reading this and yes they do seem to be a very good idea indeed! People always feel better once they have information. The not knowing can be very hard can’t it?