Accepting the Sig Pueschel Legacy of Service Award

On Friday, July 26, I was presented with the Sig Pueschel Legacy of Service Award by Jim Hudson, executive director of the National Down Syndrome Congress. Here are my acceptance remarks:

Thank you so much.

Receiving an award that bears Dr. Sig Pueschel's name is one of the greatest honors of my life.

One of my most vivid memories is from the 1998 NDSC Convention in Dallas. My son Wils was six years old and I remember the hotel filled with both NDSC families and a Mary Kay convention. (And if you want to hear the story about the Mary Kay ladies, the R word and how Wils' 12-year-old brother Judson chose to handle that moment, but me a drink later!)

But what I remember most that day is Dr. Sig Pueschel standing before us on the very day his son Chris had died.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, he chose to encourage our community with grace, courage, and hope. That moment taught me that leadership is about showing up because the mission is bigger than ourselves.

When Wils was born 35 years ago, I was like you, simply a parent trying to help my little boy have the best life possible. I never imagined that journey would lead me to help found the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, serve as its first Executive Director for 25 years, and work alongside so many extraordinary families and leaders across the country.

This recognition belongs to all of you--to the families, self-advocates, volunteers, professionals, and friends who have believed that people with Down syndrome deserve lives filled with opportunity, belonging, and high expectations.

To my DSACF family, my colleagues, and especially my family, thank you for being my greatest teachers. Wils, thank you for making me a better mother, a better leader, and a better person. I love you. This honor belongs to both of us. Thank you!