Representatives Robert Aderholt and Diana DeGette to Receive GLOBAL’s Highest Honor, Celebrity TV Journalists Chuck Todd & Autria Godfrey to Emcee

DENVER, CO ( April 3, 2025) – Today, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announced Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) will receive GLOBAL’s highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, at their annual AcceptAbility Gala on Wednesday, May 21^st at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. Each year, the awards are bestowed upon Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who have gone above and beyond to support GLOBAL’s mission to elongate life and improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

Six-time Emmy® Award-winner and NBC News’ chief political analyst Chuck Todd will co-emcee the gala. Todd was the former moderator of NBC’s flagship Sunday program Meet the Press from 2014 to 2023, and is currently the host of The Chuck ToddCast, a near-daily podcast offering in-depth interviews with political figures, experts, and thought leaders. Three-time Emmy Award-winning former WJLA ABC News anchor Autria Godfrey will co-host alongside Todd and bring her Good Morning Washington energy to the event. Multiplatinum artist and actor Phillip Phillips, soloist and member of the Maryland-based RhythmXpress dance team Robert Wallop, and GLOBAL Ambassador and actor from Baltimore Tucker Emry will headline this inspirational event. Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships are now available here.

The evening also features Congressional Hosts including Senators Cory Booker, Steve Daines, John Hickenlooper, and Jerry Moran; and Representatives Katherine Clark, Tom Cole, Rosa DeLauro, Lois Frankel, Richard Hudson, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Pete Sessions, and Pete Stauber.

In addition, each year at the gala, two students with Down syndrome are provided post-secondary GLOBAL Advancement Awards named in honor of Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). The winners will be announced on May 21^st at the AcceptAbility Gala, and it is anticipated that the representatives will present the awards at the event.

GLOBAL’s annual AcceptAbility Gala brings together policymakers from both sides of the aisle, key scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Down syndrome community. Each year, the gala recognizes two Members of Congress with their highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Past recipients include Representatives Tom Cole, Rosa DeLauro, Pete Sessions, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Katherine Clark, Pete Stauber, Lois Frankel, and Richard Hudson; and Senators John Hickenlooper, Jerry Moran, Steve Daines, and Tom Harkin.

Other notables include AcceptAbility Gala Board Co-chairs Natalie Farr Harrison, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Avoq, and her husband, Guy Harrison, a Partner at OnMessage Inc.

The AcceptAbility Gala Board consists of business and government advocacy leaders as well as leaders in the Down syndrome community. In addition to the Harrisons, the board includes Jan Adams, Founder & CEO JMA Solutions; John Ashbrook, Founding Partner, Cavalry LLC; Amy Best Weiss, Executive VP, Global Government Affairs, American Express; Kevin Brennan, Principal, Bluebird Strategies; Emilie Eager, Director of Business Development, Julie Parker Communications; David Egan, Quincy Jones Awardee, self-advocate and author, from Vienna, VA; Felicia Emry, Esq., Life Skills Program Coordinator and Client Care Liaison, Heaven on Earth NOW; Erin Book Mullen, Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC; Matthew Perin, Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kroger; Cliff Riccio, Senior Vice President and Chief, Government Relations, NCTA; Julie Riccio, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy, PwC;  Frank Stephens, GLOBAL board member, GLOBAL Ambassador, self-advocate and actor, from Fairfax, VA; Richard Waysdorf, Legal Consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation; and Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation.  

The AcceptAbility Gala supports the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, funding life-changing government advocacy, research, and lifesaving medical care for children and adults with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition, affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but it has been one of the least-funded genetic condition by NIH.

With GLOBAL’s leadership bringing together multiple stakeholders, the NIH Down syndrome research and medical care budget has increased by $440 million over the last seven years. The AcceptAbility Gala is an opportunity to celebrate major new federal research funding increases after years of being one of the least funded genetic conditions and to educate Congress and the community about the transformative DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act that ensures funding that will elongate life and improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

The AcceptAbility Gala starts at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and red carpet followed by dinner, a live auction, and performances by local dancers with Down syndrome and Multiplatinum artist and actor Phillip Phillips. Tickets start at $700 and can be purchased online at www.globaldownsyndrome.org. To cover the event or receive photos or b-roll, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609. For more information, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.

###

About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health.

GLOBAL’s widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World TM. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

GLOBAL’s WDSD Campaign Aims to Raise $25,000 for Life-Saving & Transformative Research & Medical Care

DONATE between now and MARCH 31st to help us reach our goal!

DENVER, SYDNEY, KAMPALA, NYC, GENOVA, March 20, 2025 – Today, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announced their World Down Syndrome Day celebrations in Denver, New York City, Australia, Uganda, and Italy. The foundation, which provides evidence-based, free medical care guidelines for children and adults with Down syndrome, aims to raise $25,000 for their World Down Syndrome Campaign. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to life-saving and transformative research and medical care for patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries.

As World Down Syndrome Day approaches on March 21^st (signifying that people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of chromosome 21), GLOBAL is gearing up for several celebrations and impactful initiatives around the world:

Denver, USA – World Down Syndrome Day EPIC Dance Party

• Over 200 people and local celebrities have already signed up for GLOBAL’s Friday, March 21^st event at the fabulous Cherry Creek Shopping Center with additional sponsorships from Kona Grill, Developmental Pathways, and Ricki & Dave Rest; Register and donate today HERE
• Thanks to GLOBAL’s amazing friends at Kroenke Sports Charities who are lighting up Ball Arena blue & yellow in the morning

Sydney, Australia – Down Syndrome Symposium Australia

• Featuring GLOBAL/Crnic Institute Director Dr. Joaquín Espinosa and GLOBAL Adult Guideline Author Dr. Dennis McGuire
• Supported by GLOBAL, Down Syndrome Institute, Siblings Australia, The Hon. Dr. Mike Freelander MP and more
• Saturday March 22^nd – Sunday March 23^rd at Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Syndey CBP 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – FREE & Open to the Public!

New York City, USA – United Nations Conference

• Featuring GLOBAL/Crnic Institute Researcher Deborah Fidler, PhD, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University; Other speakers include Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, GiGi Gianni and Nancy Gianni, Misty Coy Snyder
• Thursday, March 20^th 11:30 – 12:45 PM, General Assembly Building Conference Room 3 – FREE & Open to the Public

Genoa, Italy – “No Decision Without US” CoorDown Video

• Featuring GLOBAL International Spokesperson Caterina Scorsone & talented Self-Advocates
• GLOBAL is proud to support this important video created by CoorDown in Italy

Denver, USA –Important World Down Syndrome Day Video from GLOBAL

• Featuring Self-Advocates from Around the World

Kampala, Uganda – World Down Syndrome Day Awareness Events

• Featuring an Awareness March in the city, an exhibit for people with DS to share their skills (dance, pottery, baking, arts), and a Resource fair to support families
• GLOBAL and the Global Livingston Institute are working with local Down syndrome and intellectual disability NGOs to organize these fun and inspiring events

“We are so honored to be a part of World Down Syndrome Day initiatives in Denver, NYC, Australia, Italy, and Uganda this year,” says GLOBAL President & CEO Michelle Sie Whitten. “We are now actively working in 10 countries translating and distributing our Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet, GLOBAL Adult Guideline, and other important resources at no cost to hundreds of thousands of people with Down syndrome and their families. We could not do this without our wonderful in-country collaborators, the leaders on our GLOBAL Membership Advisory Board, and our affiliates, families and champions. Everyone at GLOBAL works so hard, and  it is lovely to have a day where everyone can just celebrate our progress and the awesome people with Down syndrome we serve!”

World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21^st or “3-21” signifying the fact that people with Down syndrome are born with 3 (three) copies of chromosome 21 instead of 2 (two). World Down Syndrome Day was promulgated by the United Nations in 2012 and is celebrated in 190 countries. 

To learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and World Down Syndrome Day, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org/world-down-syndrome-day-month.

###

About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health.

GLOBAL’s widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World TM. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world.

Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media (Facebook & Twitter: @GDSFoundation, Instagram: @globaldownsyndrome, YouTube: @GlobaldownsyndromeOrg, LinkedIn: @global-down-syndrome-foundation). 

Co-Chairs Natalie Farr Harrison & Guy Harrison Promise a Magical Evening Including Local Dancers with Down Syndrome

DENVER– February 6, 2025 – Today, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announced Multiplatinum Artist and Actor Phillip Phillips and GLOBAL Ambassador and actor Tucker Emry will headline their  annual AcceptAbility Gala at the Marriot Marquis Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships are now available here.

Since releasing his five-times-platinum debut single “Home,” Phillip Phillips has released three chart-topping albums and taken his expansive brand of earthy, guitar-fueled rock to stages across the globe. In 2020, Phillips joined GLOBAL’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show and performed a heartfelt tribute in honor of DeOndra Dixon with a beautiful rendition of “Gone, Gone, Gone.”  Tucker Emry is a role model in the Down syndrome community attending The Harbour School in Maryland and participating in his Young Life youth group and Performing Arts Academy where he is honing his acting skills. He has appeared as Puck in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the White Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland,” among other roles.

Natalie Farr Harrison and her husband Guy Harrison are long-time AcceptAbility Gala Board Members and are thrilled to Co-Chair this event. “We have so many friends who have children with Down syndrome so GLOBAL’s life-changing research and medical care advocacy is near and dear to our hearts,” says Natalie. “Guy and I have been in DC for over 20 years, and I can honestly say the AcceptAbility Gala is the most inspirational and magical fundraiser we’ve ever attended. We can’t wait for more people to know about it!” Natalie is a Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Avoq. Guy is a Partner at OnMessage Inc.

“I am so grateful to be able to show Members of Congress and our friends at NIH how great my team and I are at dancing!” says Robert Wallop, soloist and member of the RhythmXpress dance team. Robert is the three-time USA Dance National Champion for Pro/Am rhythm and smooth at the bronze level.  In 2017, he was featured on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance.

GLOBAL’s annual AcceptAbility Gala brings together policymakers from both sides of the aisle, key scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Down syndrome community. Each year, the gala recognizes two Members of Congress with their highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Past recipients include Representatives Tom Cole, Rosa DeLauro, Pete Sessions, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Katherine Clark, Pete Stauber, Lois Frankel, and Richard Hudson; and Senators John Hickenlooper, Jerry Moran, Steve Daines, and Tom Harkin.

The AcceptAbility Gala Board consists of business and government advocacy leaders as well as leaders in the Down syndrome community. In addition to Natalie and Guy the board includes Jan Adams, Founder & CEO JMA Solutions; John Ashbrook, Founding Partner, Cavalry LLC; Amy Best Weiss, Executive VP, Global Government Affairs, American Express; Kevin Brennan, Principal, Bluebird Strategies; Emilie Eager, Director of Business Development, Julie Parker Communications; David Egan, Quincy Jones Awardee, self-advocate and author, from Vienna, VA; Felicia Emry, Esq., Life Skills Program Coordinator and Client Care Liaison, Heaven on Earth NOW; Erin Book Mullen, Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC; Matthew Perin, Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kroger; Cliff Riccio, Senior Vice President & Chief, Government Relations, NCTA; Julie Riccio, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy, PwC;  Frank Stephens, GLOBAL board member, GLOBAL Ambassador, self-advocate and actor, from Fairfax, VA; Richard Waysdorf, Legal Consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation; and Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation. 

The AcceptAbility Gala supports the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, funding life-changing government advocacy, research, and lifesaving medical care for children and adults with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition, affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but it has been one of the least-funded genetic condition by NIH.

With GLOBAL’s leadership bringing together multiple stakeholders, the NIH Down syndrome research and medical care budget has increased by $440 million over the last seven years. The AcceptAbility Gala is an opportunity to celebrate major new federal research funding increases after years of being one of the least funded genetic conditions and to educate Congress and the community about the transformative DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act that ensures we continue to elongate life and improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

The AcceptAbility Gala starts at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and red carpet followed by dinner, a live auction, and performances by local dancers with Down syndrome and Multiplatinum artist and actor Phillip Phillips. Tickets start at $700 and can be purchased online at www.globaldownsyndrome.org. To cover the event or receive photos or b-roll, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609. For more information, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.

###

About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide, and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health.

GLOBAL’s widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World TM. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.