about us

behind the voice

On October 22, 2009 we welcomed our first child into the world. A time that should be filled with happiness and elation was filled with uncertainty, shock and lots of questions. Just minutes after his birth, Jack was whisked away and the doctors came in uttering those words that every parent fears, “we think there might be something wrong with your baby.” We were heartbroken, shattered and struggling to grasp onto this new idea of what our family would become. Once Jack was able to come home we started building the life that we would one day begin to look upon with optimism, gratitude, and lots of love.

One of the biggest unknowns was what kind of life could we expect for him - would he be happy, would he have friends, would he connect with his peers, would he find a passion in life? One thing that we knew for sure was that the road ahead would be filled with advocacy and pushing others to see our son for who he is and not just as a diagnosis. By the time we found a local support group of parents it was busting at the seams and steps toward becoming a 501c3 nonprofit followed soon after we became involved, creating the Down Syndrome Association North Bay (DSANB). The proceeds from the Voices for Down Syndrome Gala and Auction will go directly to benefit those in our community, via the DSANB, for speech support.

Today, Angi and I are committed to improving the lives of those with Down syndrome by raising awareness, promoting inclusion and acceptance, funding programs and education for people with Down syndrome and their family members, and building community for those whose lives are touched by Down syndrome. We want to thank all of you for showing your support and being that village that it takes to raise our children. We are very grateful.

— John and Angela Busick

a benefit for the Down Syndrome Association North Bay (DSANB)

Down Syndrome Association North Bay’s mission is to promote self-advocacy, raise awareness, support inclusion and enrich the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Our programs and services include: information for new and expecting parents, English and Spanish packets, literature and programs, hospital greetings with Hope Baskets, Mom’s and Dad’s night out, dances and outings, parent-to-parent connection, education seminars, mentor programs and Family Camp. We are all volunteers, board and committee members alike, working to serve and encourage the unlimited potential in children and adults with Down syndrome.

For more information on the Down Syndrome Association North Bay, please visit dsanb.org

what is down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. In most people with Down syndrome, there is an extra or partial copy of the 21st chromosome (also called Trisomy 21 because there are three copies of this chromosome instead of two), which changes the body and brain’s development.

Down syndrome is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know is that very little separates individuals with Down syndrome from those without it.

For more information on Down syndrome, please visit ndss.org

DSANB is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization registered in the state of California.
All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law.