It's October already, which kicks off a very important month for the National Down Syndrome Associations! This year, Producer Darlene Rodrigo & her daughter Bella who has Down Syndrome have been chosen to MC the very first virtual Buddy Walk! Which is great, because you can do it from virtually anywhere!
The Buddy Walk® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 and has grown to be the world’s largest and most recognizable Down syndrome awareness program, with over 250 Walks taking place across the country!
As an all volunteer organization, the local chapter known as the Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association uses all of the money raised for programs, social events, educational workshops, hospital out-reach and support networks for all people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Join us in the safest way possible and tune in for loads of smiles and fun while we celebrate together, spread awareness and help keep the Inland Valley Down Syndrome Association up and running! Join Team iHeart Bella virtually and help us raise money to keep this amazing organization serving our community. Click here to donate: https://www.classy.org/team/321482
Hi everyone! Thanks for clicking through your way to read this blog. My name is Darlene Rodrigo and I'm Bella's mom. My daughter Bella is 12-years old (soon to be 13 next month). Bella was my first child and she was born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder that happens when there is an extra chromosome present in the 21st pair. Hence, the scientific name Trisomy 21 (Tri = 3 of the 21st pair). Anyway, I can talk about this for days because once I had my daughter, I instantly became her lifelong fan and advocate. I promised her the minute I held her for the first time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) that I'd do ANYTHING for her to get through this tough life, alive & safe for as long as I can.
Fast forward to many doctors appointments, specialists and hospital stays, I was able to network with other families and blog about our special needs life in a blog I titled, "A Little Xtra 21." Years later, this interest in blogging and networking led me to attend a Radio Broadcasting program at my local community college. I was able to attain an internship a couple years after starting and eventually landed one at KOST 103.5!
I've been blessed to work for LA's radio queen, Ellen K. She would be embarrassed and will be once she reads this but that's what she is to me and so many other females in the industry. Ellen gave me the nickname, "Social Queen Darlene" on the Ellen K Morning Show and I loved it to much I changed all of my usernames to it! My radio family has always been so supportive and encouraging when it comes to my family life. So, it's my goal to pay it forward and help other families with whatever I can.
From the moment Bella was born, she has taught me so much about Down syndrome and living life with special needs. Through the past 12 years, Bella's gone through a lot for a kid her age. She's shown us an entirely new perspective to our own lives and others living a life like hers. My hope as her mother has always been to do all that I can to shine a light on what Down syndrome is and show others that she is a silly girl with a humongous heart that wants to be like you and I, included & supported. I hope that if you've ever encountered a story I shared about Bella on the radio these past few years, that they've given you a better understanding of what she goes through and possibly even make you feel a little grateful and proud.
To imagine walking this Buddy Walk as an intern with KOST 103.5 six years ago, to now being the Master of Ceremonies and hosting the walk with Bella is a very proud and grateful moment for my family and I! Please consider walking with us wherever you are.
・・・Our team name is: iHeart Bella・・・https://www.classy.org/team/321482・・・
Read Bella's birth story here on the LOVE WHAT MATTERS blog: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/he-grabbed-the-doctor-by-his-white-coat-what-did-you-say-he-looked-unsettled-mom-births-baby-with-down-syndrome-autism-bumpy-roads-can-be-fun-too/
Listen to this podcast of Mamas & Mimosas to hear Darlene's in depth story as a special needs mother: