Rep. Patrick Kennedy Honored for His Dedication and Commitment as Co-Chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Hosts Tribute for Retiring Rhode Island Congressman

WASHINGTON, Sept 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF) today honored Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI.) for his work as a co-chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus. The Caucus has been a strong advocate for basic research and clinical care that can enhance the lives of the more than 400,000 people in the United States with the genetic condition that affects mental and physical development.

The tribute to Rep. Kennedy, who is retiring from Congress, featured Kathy Ireland, Supermodel turned Supermogul CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland Worldwide (r), whose niece has Down Syndrome; Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA),a co-chair of the Caucus whose son has the condition; Dr. Alan Guttmacher, Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; Kareem Dale, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement & Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy; and DeOndra Dixon, an award-winning self advocate, who is the sister of actor/musician Jamie Foxx.

"I have enjoyed working across the aisle with Patrick on these issues that are so important in my family, and close to my heart," said Rep. Rodgers. "My son, Cole, is a special gift and he is such a joy. I am more passionate than ever to fight for what's best for Cole, as well as others, whether it's Down syndrome or any other disability. We need to fight for the value and the tremendous impact that they can have in a positive way on our lives and this world."

Dr. Guttmacher said the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development "is proud to be a part of this event sponsored by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation honoring Congressman Patrick Kennedy's efforts on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We look forward to continuing to work with the Down syndrome community on implementing the NIH Research Plan on Down syndrome."

Michelle Whitten, executive director of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, which launched GDSF in 2009, thanked Rep. Kennedy for "his dedication and commitment" to making a better life for people with Down syndrome.  "It is remarkable that support for people with Down syndrome cuts across all racial, political and class lines," Ms. Whitten said. "We all vigorously support the same mission – to educate society on what our kids can do and to help people with the condition live fulfilling lives.  Rep. Kennedy, Rep. Rodgers and other members of the Caucus are advocating for that cause. And we are very thankful."

Ms. Whitten, whose daughter has Down syndrome, noted that there has been an "outrageous discrepancy" in the allocation of federal funding for benefiting people with Down syndrome in comparison to other genetic conditions. "Down syndrome is the least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health," Ms. Whitten said.   "Only 0.0006 of the 2009 budget went towards Down syndrome despite the fact that it is the most frequent chromosomal condition with one in 733 children in the US born with Down syndrome.  That needs to change."

Kathy said the role played by Rep. Kennedy and the other lawmakers in the Caucus is crucial towards helping access research funds that can create a brighter future for people with Down Syndrome.   "Our niece Polly is a brilliant, beautiful, loving baby who had heart surgery on Monday," said Kathy. "I believe Rep. Kennedy and every member of the bi-partisan Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus will do everything in their power to ensure that Polly enjoys the same opportunities as every other child in our country."

SOURCE Global Down Syndrome Foundation