Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization

11/02/2026

Reminder: Our monthly Read Along is this Thursday, Nov. 5th. Please RSVP to [email protected] by November 3rd.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Read Along event! Please RSVP to [email protected] by November 3rd.

11/01/2026

Day 31 of October National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙💛

This month, we are celebrating people with Down syndrome by sharing our local individuals with Down syndrome every day this month with their stories. Help spread awareness, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion in schools and communities!

"Happy 31st Day of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙💛

This is 17-year-old Preston.

He has been through a lot, from open-heart surgery and struggles with eating due to sensory challenges and being underweight when he was younger, to being highly sensitive to his surroundings and navigating emotional ups and downs, especially during his middle school years. To say that we are proud of him would be an understatement.

Preston has grown into a strong, confident, and independent young man. He has come a long way in every aspect of his well-being, and we are incredibly proud of his hard work, determination, and commitment to every goal he sets for himself.

2026 has been a year filled with milestones. His high school nominated him for the JUST DO IT Award, and he earned the Cadet Milestone Award for completing his 100th troop with the Star Wars Galactic Academy. He skipped his junior year and moved directly into his senior year. This summer, he will walk across the stage and graduate from high school.

Preston continues to build confidence and strengthen his social skills through programs with Special Populations of Broward County, monthly activities with the Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, a Down syndrome class with the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization of Palm Beach County, and volunteer trooping with the 501st Everglades Squad. He also attending the teen socials with the Friendship Circle of Greater Fort Lauderdale. He has also taken on more responsibilities and chores both at school and at home. As his confidence grows, so does his communication, and he has begun repeating words and phrases more clearly after hearing them.

What makes Preston truly special is his kind heart and gentle soul.

He pays attention to the people around him. If you cough, he will hand you a glass of water. If you sneeze, he will quickly find you a tissue. If you are feeling sad, he will gently place his hand on your back or shoulder to comfort you. He often gives a thumbs-up just to make sure you are okay, and to let you know that he is okay, too.

Preston is a wonderful example of patience, kindness, and perseverance. He never gives up, even when life presents challenges that seem impossible to overcome.

If there is one piece of advice we can share, it is this:

When you meet a person with Down syndrome, you are meeting a person first.

Every individual has unique abilities, talents, strengths, and challenges. Their path may look different from someone else's, but they are moving forward at their own pace and in their own way.

Never underestimate them. Never write them off. Never push them aside.

All they need is a chance, an opportunity, and someone who believes in them.

And when you do, you may be amazed by what they can accomplish." 💙💛 Bach Todaro

10/31/2026

☕ Coffee & Conversations is back!

Join us on November 14 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at the BGCDSO Office.

Special guests from FND Family Network on Disabilities, Supportive Engagement, and New York Life will be joining us to share helpful resources and support for families.

RSVP to [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/31/2026

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Collision Care Xpress for partnering with us and organizing a drive to collect items for our monthly socials and workshops. Thank you so much for your support of the Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization and the families we serve.

A special shout-out to Nicole Friedland for connecting us with the organization. We truly appreciate your support behind the scenes to make this great cause possible.

10/31/2026

BGCDSO November Calendar!

10/30/2026

Day 30 of October National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙💛

This month, we are celebrating people with Down syndrome by sharing our local individuals with Down syndrome every day this month with their stories. Help spread awareness, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion in schools and communities!

"Hi I'm Leilani and I am three years old. I love bubbles and music. I also love to dance around and make silly faces. When I was born I was diagnosed with Gestational Alloimmune Liver Disease so I was struggling to survive. However I made it and proved to be a very strong kid. I no longer need a liver transplant and my liver was able to heal. I am working on getting my gtube taken out and making steady progress. I am one tough cookie and love to make people smile." Rebecca Jones

https://su4ds.redpodium.com/walk

10/29/2026

Day 29 of October National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙💛

This month, we are celebrating people with Down syndrome by sharing our local individuals with Down syndrome every day this month with their stories. Help spread awareness, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion in schools and communities!

"Mason and Munroe Morgan are 13 years old. They have transitioned to Public school in middle school, and doing ok now. They still using features and one to two words to express themselves but they understands everything. They are so loving. They will be signing up for track and field, they are great runners." Andrea Morgan

https://su4ds.redpodium.com/walk

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

Dear Broward Gold Coast Members,

It is time for our Executive Board Elections, and we need your help!

Our members play an important role in the continued success of our organization, and we encourage you to take part in this year's election.

Please review the attached information for election details.

Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Your involvement makes a difference!

10/28/2026

Day 28 of October National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙💛

This month, we are celebrating people with Down syndrome by sharing our local individuals with Down syndrome every day this month with their stories. Help spread awareness, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion in schools and communities!

"Grace Ann Garland is 20 years old, continues learning and improving everyday. Her new favorite thing is using mom’s microscope to discover and study objects, plants, and animals. Grace is really curious, creative, and maturing at a very fast pace.

Grace wants to celebrate her Abuelita Sheyla Nieto’s 93rd birthday in Colombia 🇨🇴 Feliz Cumpleaños Abuelita, te amo!" Patricia Gomez Nieto-Garland

https://su4ds.redpodium.com/walk