Westmoor Students Learn About Down Syndrome, Avoiding 'R-Word'

NORTHBROOK, IL - Fifth grade students at Westmoor Elementary School in Northbrook pledged to commit one “Random Act of Kindness” last week in honor of National Down Syndrome Day.

Students on Monday, March 21 heard from Randi Gillespie, whose daughter Maddy attends Westmoor and has Down Syndrome.

She talked about the effort to spread awareness and to encourage people to stop using the “R-word.”

“We, as a community, can continue to celebrate one another while celebrating our differences,” she said.

Gillespie told the kids of Maddy’s story and how inspired her to help raise awareness.

“I had a nurse say to me ‘what a bummer’ when Maddy was diagnosed with Down Syndrome,” she recalls. “So, from the time Maddy was 11 hours old, I have taken on the role to educate and advocate for people with disabilities and parents who receive the diagnosis.”

Gillespie advocates both as a volunteer and an employee of the National Association for Down Syndrome.

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Photos:

Randi Gillespie speaks to fifth grade students at Westmoor School about kindness and stopping the ‘R’ word. The students signed a World Down Syndrome Day banner pledging they would do a ‘random act of kindness’ in support of all people with disabilities.

The Gillespie family participated in the presentation to Westmoor 5th grade students. From left is Liam, Sarah, Randi and Maddy Gillespie.