Julia’s Way Virtual Breastfeeding Group for Expectant & New Mothers

Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Each month, we offer a virtual support group for breastfeeding, pumping, and expectant mothers of babies with Down syndrome, co-moderated by Jill Rabin, SLP, IBCLC and Rachel Murphy, RN, IBCLC mother of breastfed child with Down syndrome. Come share about your journey, meet other mothers, and ask any questions you may have! Common topics include sleepiness, weight gain, NICU stay, getting back to breast, breastfeeding with cardiac or other conditions or surgeries. Please note time zone and adjust accordingly.
We may occasionally welcome medical students who are interested in gaining information and insight about breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome to benefit their knowledge and practice.

To ensure the respectful space of expectant and new moms, we ask that you find a private space for this meeting and please note that dads/male partners are not allowed to participate. We hope you appreciate the sensitivities and safe space we provide. We look forward to meeting you!

The group is free, but advanced registration is required.

This group typically meets the first Thursday of each month, but exact dates show when you register below! You will be sent a Zoom link for each session you register for.

Friday Night Fitness & Fun (ages 20+)

Friday, May 3rd | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join us at Inclusive Fitness for an exciting evening of movement and fun, exclusively for individuals aged 20 and above with Down syndrome! The expert coaches at Inclusive Fitness will guide the group through a variety of exercises suitable for all fitness levels, engage everyone in some interactive games, and conclude the evening with a delightful dinner shared among friends.

This event is perfect for newcomers to fitness, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to have a great time and connect with new friends! Registration Required!

*Please note, this is a drop off event. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay if preferred.

Music at the Blissful

Saturday, May 11th | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
663 Center Street, Jamaica Plain, MA

Join Music at the Blissful at the Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio in Jamaica Plain

For families whose children with Down syndrome are 0 – 5
Free of charge

*RSVP Required
**As it is a yoga studio, we will be taking our shoes off so please bring socks if desired

Wrestling for the MDSC (ages 13+)

Saturday, May 18th | 6:30 PM
Newton Elks Lodge #1327 - 429 Centre St Newton, MA 02458

Join us for an exciting wrestling match to support the MDSC! This family-friendly event is open to individuals with Down syndrome aged 13+, as well as their family members and friends. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the MDSC.

Your ticket includes entry to the event, a food voucher for 2 pieces of pizza (gluten-free available), soda or water, chips, candy, and a 50/50 raffle ticket!

For our sensory-sensitive guests, please note that there will be speakers playing music during the beginning and end of matches. There will also be some music played before the show and during intermission. Wrestling fans may also be cheering loudly throughout the show, so we recommend bringing noise-reducing headphones.

Parking is available in the back of the building and on the side street next to the parking lot. The front side of the building has a handicapped accessible entrance/lift.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled evening for a great cause!

*Please note, this is NOT a drop off event. Parents and/or caregivers are required to stay for the duration of this event.

Combined Social at Jam Time — Ages 4-7 & 8-12

Sunday, June 2nd | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Jam Time, Norwood: 111 Lenox Street Norwood, MA
We are excited to invite you to a private Jam Time party at their Norwood location
This event is for 4 – 12 year olds and is a fun, safe space to meet other families and connect.
The event is FREE for you and your families. Everyone must wear SOCKS!
Pizza (including gluten-free), snacks and beverages will be provided
NOTE: RSVP REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT
Any questions, please reach out to MDSC Family Support Director, Sarah Cullen at scullen@mdsc.org

 

Julia’s Way Virtual Breastfeeding Group for Expectant & New Mothers

Thursday, June 6th | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Each month, we offer a virtual support group for breastfeeding, pumping, and expectant mothers of babies with Down syndrome, co-moderated by Jill Rabin, SLP, IBCLC and Rachel Murphy, RN, IBCLC mother of breastfed child with Down syndrome. Come share about your journey, meet other mothers, and ask any questions you may have! Common topics include sleepiness, weight gain, NICU stay, getting back to breast, breastfeeding with cardiac or other conditions or surgeries. Please note time zone and adjust accordingly.
We may occasionally welcome medical students who are interested in gaining information and insight about breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome to benefit their knowledge and practice.

To ensure the respectful space of expectant and new moms, we ask that you find a private space for this meeting and please note that dads/male partners are not allowed to participate. We hope you appreciate the sensitivities and safe space we provide. We look forward to meeting you!

The group is free, but advanced registration is required.

This group typically meets the first Thursday of each month, but exact dates show when you register below! You will be sent a Zoom link for each session you register for.

MDSC Advocates in Motion Picnic in the Park! (ages 13+, parents, caregivers, family members & friends)

Saturday, June 29th | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Hopkinton State Park Split Rock Pavilion 164 Cedar St Hopkinton, MA 01748

Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13 and older, parents, caregivers, family members & friends, mark your calendars for the MDSC Summer Picnic in the Park at Hopkinton State Park! Join us for an afternoon of music, lawn games, and fun in the sun!

Light snacks and beverages will be provided, but feel free to bring your own picnic lunch and games, for an unforgettable time!
Free to Attend!
Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13 and older, parents, caregivers, family members & friends, mark your calendars for the MDSC Summer Picnic in the Park at Hopkinton State Park! Join us for an afternoon of music, lawn games, and fun in the sun!

Light snacks and beverages will be provided, but feel free to bring your own picnic lunch and games, for an unforgettable time!
Please make sure to register!

*Please note this is NOT a drop off event. Parents and/or caregivers are required to stay for the duration of this event.

2024 UnstoppABLE Buddy Walk

Sunday, October 13th | 12pm - 4pm
Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield, MA

Prepare to be UnstoppABLE on Sunday, October 13 as we gather as a community for MDSC’s 2024 Buddy Walk, once again returning to the shores of Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield for the largest gathering of the Down syndrome community in New England and one of the largest in the country.

Register below so that you and your family can be a part of the warmth and determination of our community as we celebrate and raise awareness and funds for all our loved ones with Down syndrome. And, if you can’t join us in person, don’t fret…. you can instead Buddy Walk In Your Community anytime, anywhere throughout the month of October.