Inspiring Life Despite A Diagnosis

Laura’s mom was excited to announce to her other children that she was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl.  When the babies were born, it was a complete surprise to see the girl, Annie, had Down syndrome.  Laura was eight-years-old at the time and little did she know, her whole life would be shaped because of her sibling with a disability. The Start of a Lasting Friendship Between Siblings One night Laura was feeling down about not having a close relationship with any of her siblings.  Her mother gave her life-changing advice.  “If you want to build a relationship with someone, then you need to spend time with them,” she said.  Laura started spending more time with Annie by pushing her on the swings, playing on the monkey bars, and giving her piggy-back rides.  Laura’s mother was thrilled because the activities she was doing with Annie were great muscle toning exercises. In high school, Laura participated in a Best Buddies program for anyone with an intellectual or physical disability.  This was another s