It is truly an honor for us to introduce Isla as GLOBAL's 2024 Ambassador. When Isla walks in a room you know it. Someone recently described Isla to us as a “joy bomb”. It’s true. She’s a tornado of activity and non-stop movement but sheds light in every direction she moves. Her teachers call her the “mayor” of the school. But the same can be said when she’s at a doctor’s office, playground, or grocery store. She’s never met a stranger and is quick with a “Hi!”, especially if the person on the receiving end hasn’t noticed her yet. It’s like she prides herself on the challenge of getting their attention. She will be persistent if the “Hi!” is not reciprocated.

We first learned our baby would likely have Down syndrome when we were about 12 weeks pregnant. It was surprising news to receive, but there was never a doubt about how much she would be loved. Isla gave us a run for our money from day one, needing an emergency transfer to Children’s National where she landed in the Cardiac ICU. Her heart has healed itself remarkably well and so far, we’ve avoided surgery. Isla was diagnosed with infantile spasms when she was about 9 months old, which is a type of seizure that occurs in babies and needs immediate treatment to prevent developmental issues. Luckily, with a long and heavy round of steroids, we were able to stop the seizures and Isla has since shown remarkable progress with her development.

Isla is thriving since starting school last August. She’s a whirlwind of walking, talking, and singing. You’ll be hard pressed to find a two-year-old who is a bigger bookworm. She will pass up a room full of toys for a chance to sit and read, babbling away to herself with full emotion and the occasional “oh no” and “wow”.

We know there may be more medical challenges in Isla’s future. We are grateful for the work the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is doing daily to ensure that when the day comes, we have the research and resources to receive the best medical care possible for Isla. Thank you for supporting this cause and making the quality of life better for those with Down syndrome!

From her days as a working mom and now as she describes herself—a working grandmother, Congresswoman Lois Frankel has spent her life delivering positive change to her community as a civic leader, state legislator, mayor, and now Member of the United States House of Representatives. She currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee where she serves on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs subcommittees.

A trailblazer in the Florida State Legislature, Lois served as the first woman Democratic minority leader. She became a leading force to improve the economic condition of families and seniors, and to protect human rights and women's reproductive freedom - fights she continues today in Congress as Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus.

Prior to her election to Congress, Lois served as Mayor of West Palm Beach, raising her city to a new vitality and earning a reputation as an innovative problem solver.

On a personal note, Lois is an avid abstract painter who is very proud of her son, and even more proud to be “Lolo” to her grandsons.

We are proud to announce Congresswoman Lois Frankel as a 2024 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee.

Richard Hudson has served in Congress since 2013, currently representing North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee and was elected by his colleagues to House leadership as the fifth-ranking Republican in the 118th Congress, placing him as one of the highest-ranking Congressmen from North Carolina in history. In Congress, Rep. Hudson is dedicated to working across the aisle on solutions to support our veterans, defend our Constitutional rights, create jobs, and improve our quality of life.

To grow our economy, Rep. Hudson has championed middle-class tax cuts and is focused on solutions to create jobs. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Hudson is also committed to making health care more affordable and accessible, improving health care for veterans, addressing the tragedy of veteran suicide, and unleashing American energy to lower costs and create jobs in North Carolina. He has also led efforts to clean up chemicals in drinking water which impact our overall quality of life.

Richard grew up in Charlotte, graduated from Myers Park High School, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while serving as Student Body President. His past volunteer leadership service includes membership on the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees, Board of Governors of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, Board of Managers of the West Cabarrus YMCA, and Board of Directors of the Cabarrus Jaycees.

Richard, his wife Renee, and their son reside in Southern Pines, NC.

We are proud to announce Congressman Richard Hudson as a 2024 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee.