Downside Up
2018 Chattanooga Make-a-Thon Case Study
The Organization
Downside Up was formed by Theresa Nix when her son was diagnosed with Down syndrome, but she was unable to find the resources, network and support that she was searching for as a parent. Downside Up is a family for families of children with Down Syndrome. Together they find joy in the happiest and hardest moments — because when life is turned upside down, they choose to live downside up.
The Project
When someone has a baby who has a disability, many parents share the poem Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley. It is about planning a trip to Italy but ending up in Holland — realizing that although it is a different place, it is still very beautiful.
Theresa and the team, using the power of social media, crowdsourced custom videos of families, including parents, children and individuals with Down syndrome reading the poem from across the world. Watch this beautiful display of community and compassion below.
Their team included Rachael Porter, Landon Early and John Cotton.
Check out a recap from the 2018 Chattanooga Make-a-Thon. Interested in taking part in an upcoming make-a-thon? To stay up to date, subscribe to the newsletter or send an email to hello@letsmakeamark.org.
