Kern Down Syndrome Network

10/20/2026

A place to belong begins with people willing to make room. Thank you, Yuna’s Lucky Crew, for helping us do exactly that. ✨

Yuna’s mom shared an original song on Instagram about the meaning her daughter has brought to her life. Her lyrics hold a beautiful perspective: where others might notice differences, she sees possibilities unfolding. She hopes for a world where children can grow into themselves, surrounded by love and acceptance.

Her words resonate with us as parents raising children with Down syndrome, too. We think about our own children’s futures—the friendships they’ll build, the opportunities they’ll have, and the people who will recognize everything they bring to the world. Those hopes are deeply personal to us, and they are part of why we began KDSN.

Yuna’s Lucky Crew raised $1,100, with family, friends, and supporters giving in her honor. Your generosity helps us continue building the kind of community we want our children to grow up in and belong to throughout their lives. Knowing other families are helping shape that future alongside us means more than we can say.

To Yuna’s parents: we look forward to getting to know you as fellow parents, sharing experiences, learning from one another, and celebrating our children along the way. We hope you’ll find that the encouragement you’ve offered through DreamFest is here for you, too.

Thank you to every member of Yuna’s Lucky Crew. You’ve helped make that circle of welcome a little wider. ✨

10/20/2026

Charlie Sue, there is so much love surrounding you—and through Charlie’s Angels, that love is reaching other families, too. ✨

As Charlie celebrated her second birthday this October, her parents shared how knowing and loving her has changed the way they see the world. We get to witness a little of that love at our Parent & Me gatherings, and getting to know this family has been a gift to us.

This is such a meaningful part of KDSN: the familiar faces we look forward to seeing, the children we get to watch grow, and the relationships that deepen along the way. Charlie and her parents have become part of what makes those gatherings special.

For DreamFest, her mom Lauren gave generously of her time and creativity, making a beautiful blanket and preparing a gift basket for our raffle. We were so moved by the care behind that gift. Taking the time to make something by hand for this community is a kindness we will remember.

Charlie’s Angels and their supporters also raised an incredible $2,190—helping KDSN continue the programs, Down syndrome–focused resources, and year-round connections that welcome more families into this circle of support.

To Charlie’s Mom & Dad-Lauren & Blake, thank you for investing so much of yourselves in a community we are grateful to share with you. To everyone who gave in Charlie’s honor, thank you for helping those connections grow.

Charlie, being a small part of your childhood is a privilege. We’re so glad your family is part of ours. ✨

10/20/2026

The love behind Team Waylen Wisdom reaches far beyond DreamFest. ✨

Waylen’s family shares that he reminds them every day of kindness, joy, and purpose. Through their support of KDSN, they’ve extended that love to individuals with Down syndrome and families throughout Kern County.

Together, Team Waylen Wisdom and their supporters raised an incredible $4,305! 🌟

To Dr. William and Dr. Stephanie Perry, the Perry family, and the staff, patients, friends, and supporters of Bakersfield Family Chiropractic: thank you for celebrating Waylen in a way that creates lasting opportunities for our entire Down syndrome community.

Your generosity helps KDSN continue offering year-round programs and Down syndrome–focused resources. It helps a new family find guidance, a parent connect with someone who understands, and children, teens, and adults build friendships and discover places where they belong.

We know there is care, effort, and a personal connection behind every donation. Thank you for choosing KDSN to carry that generosity forward.

Waylen, we are so grateful to celebrate you—and to your family and everyone who gave in your honor, thank you for being part of ours. ✨

10/15/2026

💙💛 Some partnerships are extra special!

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse has been supporting Kern Down Syndrome Network since day ONE! 🥹

From generous sponsorships and financial contributions to donating food, providing volunteers, and showing up for our families year after year, BJ’s has been there every step of the way.

Their continued generosity and commitment to our Down syndrome community mean more than words can express. We are incredibly grateful for a partnership that has grown alongside our organization and helped us make so many dreams possible!

Thank you, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, for believing in our mission from the very beginning and continuing to stand beside us! 💙💛

10/15/2026

10/06/2026

Waylen Wisdom’s team is soaring past its goal—$3,350 raised and still growing! 🚀

A heartfelt thank-you to Bakersfield Family Chiropractic and their patients for rallying behind Waylen. Your generosity helped Team Waylen Wisdom reach its highest fundraising goal yet, and we’re excited to celebrate this incredible community support.

DreamFest celebrates people with Down syndrome and helps KDSN continue providing year-round connection, education, and family support. As Bakersfield’s only Down syndrome-focused organization, KDSN serves people with Down syndrome and their families from birth through adulthood.

The countdown is on: DreamFest is just 11 days away! There’s still time to register, donate, or start a team celebrating someone you love with Down syndrome. Every way you join in helps keep this support growing.

Register, start a team, or donate at kerndsn.org or the link in our bio.