The Law Enforcement Assisting Down Syndrome (LEADS) Foundation, Inc. is a not for profit charity established in 2013 to provide financial assistance to families to help defray the costs associated with the mental and physical conditions that can arise from Down syndrome. These costs can include services such as physical, speech, and occupational therapy, and/or special equipment such as hearing ai
ds, braces, and car seats. The impetus for the LEADS Foundation was provided by a wonderful and remarkable child with Down syndrome- Keira Callahan. Keira’s mother, Stephanie, is a victim/witness advocate for a prosecutor’s office in New Hampshire and her father, Paul, is a police officer in Massachusetts. Keira is a vibrant and engaging young girl who unfortunately has faced numerous hardships because of Down syndrome. These have included vision problems, partial deafness, and physical issues. At a very young age she underwent double hip surgery and endured being in a cast from her chest to her feet for several months. That was followed by the need to be fitted with braces and undergoing hours of physical therapy just to learn how to walk again. Many of Keira’s requirements are costly and are not covered by insurance or other programs. The courage and indomitable will exhibited by Keira and her family is truly inspirational. Consequently, law enforcement friends of the Callahan’s organized the LEADS Foundation to help them and other families who may have a person with Down syndrome pay for the costs associated with the condition.
