Virtual Event: Current Updates and How to Measure Health in Down Syndrome

Monday, March 16th | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Zoom

Dr. Stephanie Santoro, Clinical Geneticist and Director of Quality Improvement Research at the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, will be speaking virtually with the Blum Center next month.
In this session, Dr. Santoro will provide an overview of Down syndrome, including key considerations in medical care and available resources for patients, families, and caregivers. She will also share research from her lab focused on measuring health, including the development of a new health assessment tool. The ability to accurately and reliably measure health is a critical first step toward quantifying, monitoring, and ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.

This program is free and open to all patients, families, caregivers, staff, and the public. No registration is needed. To attend this virtual program, click on the link or scan the QR code: https://lnkd.in/eKNMeM-v

For more information, email the Blum Center PFLC@partners.org or call 617-724-7352.

 

Brighter Futures: A National Conference on Adults with Down Syndrome and Aging

Friday, March 27th |
DCU Center, Worcester
Join the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) and the National Down Syndrome Society along with hundreds from across the country as we celebrate our adult and aging loved ones with Down syndrome, their family members and friends as well as the many medical professionals, educators, advocates, and other supporters. Together, we will connect with one another, share best practices, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite at this exclusive conference aimed at building a brighter future as people transition to adulthood and become active members of their communities. This conference will also advance understanding of Down syndrome and aging, and promote the development of beneficial approaches to addressing the medical, mental health, social, and emotional challenges faced by older adults with Down syndrome.
When you register for the 2-day conference, you’re getting —
💛 Access to 5 breakout sessions on timely topics led by local and national experts
💙 Ticket to attend the Awards Dinner on Friday evening featuring keynote speaker, Matthew Schwab @matthewschwabspeaks
💛 Post-conference Networking Reception
💙 Self Advocate “Brighter Futures” Dance on Friday evening
💛 Saturday morning Plenary Session featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Julie Moran
💙 Boxed lunch on Friday, continental breakfast and boxed lunch on Saturday
💛 …and much more!

Foundations for Families webinar: Medical Updates for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome, Presented by Meredith Close, MD

Monday, April 13th | 7pm ET - 8:30pm ET
Zoom

We will review the current AAP health care guidelines for children with Down syndrome as well as common health conditions seen in children and teens. Suggested for families with children of all ages.

Presented by Meredith Close, MD

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician; Director, Down Syndrome Program, Boston Children’s Hospital

Questions? Email Katie at FirstCall@mdsc.org

Team MDSC runs the 129th Boston Marathon

Monday, April 20th |

On April 20, 2026, Team MDSC will take on the historic Boston Marathon! Our team of 10 dedicated runners is ready to tackle the 26.2-mile journey from Hopkinton to Copley Square, all in support of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The team has been hand-selected, and each runner is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome.

While our team of runners has already been chosen, we invite you to join the excitement by supporting them with a donation. Your generosity will help fund critical programs and services for the Down syndrome community, and together, we can make a lasting impact. Leading up to race day, we will share details on how you can cheer on our runners along the course—whether you’re in Boston or following from afar.

Thank you for helping make this an unforgettable 2026 Boston Marathon for our runners and our mission.

MDSC is a proud official charity of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. Through this program, dozens of dedicated individuals have had the opportunity to fulfill their personal dream and run the Boston marathon in honor of people with Down syndrome.