VALDOSTA – Annabelle Dykes of Valdosta was announced this week as an ambassador for Nothing Down, an organization aiming to change the way the world views Down syndrome.
Her mother, Sophia Dykes, is a teacher at Lake Park Elementary School. She brims over with love at the merest mention of her daughter, Annabelle.
“Annabelle has been everything I never expected,” Dykes expressed. “She has changed our lives, and the lives of people across the world. Everyone who meets her instantly falls in love.”
When Annabelle was born, her mother made it a mission to prove to the world that people with Down Syndrome are capable of so many beautiful and wonderful things.
“But it took no time at all before I realized that I didn’t have to do anything. She’s shown the world all that by herself through her accomplishments and her determination,” Dykes added. “And that’s exactly what Nothing Down stands for – changing the way the world views Down syndrome. We are honored that Annabelle has been selected to take this journey with them. People with Down Syndrome are becoming more independent. They’re getting jobs, living alone, getting married. They’re doing everything that typical people do.”
Annabelle is one of 33 new ambassadors across the globe, chosen to represent and assist the organization through community outreach and social media promotion for the duration of 2019.
The mission of Nothing Down is to provide support, advocacy, education and opportunities for individuals and families that have been touched by Down syndrome.
They aim to change the way that the world views Down syndrome and eliminate the stigmas that are often associated with disabilities. The organization produces documentaries, viral photo and video projects, an annual calendar, and social media campaigns that highlights the promise and beauty of individuals with Down syndrome.
In addition, Nothing Down runs several programs – Blessing Baskets of Hope, supporting new and expectant parents of babies with Down syndrome, and a National School Awareness program that celebrates differences and fosters acceptance.
Nothing Down ambassadors and their families support the organization’s mission and assists in educating the public on the potential and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
“Along with Nothing Down, we can continue to spread awareness and advocate for the inclusion that people with Down Syndrome, people with any disability, deserve,” Dykes said.
Nothing Down announced the application process for their Ambassador Program in early December. They received well over 500 applications, coming from 45 states and 15 international countries. Annabelle and the 32 fellow ambassadors were announced this week through a slideshow on the Nothing Down Facebook page.
To keep up with the ambassadors and their mission, follow along at www.facebook.com/nothingdown or www.nothingdown.org .
