Blog #167~Brittany’s Baskets of Hope

Blog #167~Brittany’s Baskets of Hope

“Just because you are born with a disability, it doesn’t mean you can’t do everything you want to do!”   This is the message that a young entrepreneur, Brittany Schiavone wants to share with the world.  Brittany’s Baskets of Hope, Inc. is a non-profit organization which creates and delivers welcome baskets full of resources, love and hope to new Down syndrome families across the country.

Brittany’s Baskets of Hope’s mission, is to celebrate and support families with a new baby with Down syndrome. “We want all newborns of every ability to know that they can do anything!”

Currently, this non-profit organization has sent baskets to over 175 families in 42 states across the country!   Brittany has spoken at schools, colleges, and conferences across Long Island.  Her work has been featured on FOXBusiness.com, The Mighty, Ditch the Label, Elephant Journal, and News 12 Long Island, where she was selected as one of the news channel’s “12 Making a Difference in 2016.”

100% of the funds raised go to supporting families who have a new baby with Down syndrome.  These donations are used to purchase items for the welcome baskets and to mail them to families.  Each basket is put together personally by her, and includes resources and a variety of baby items.  Brittany wants to spread the word, “That no matter who you are or how you’re born, you can lead a full, joyful life!”

If you would like to request a basket to be sent to a new family having a baby with Down syndrome or make a donation to Brittany’s Baskets of Hope, click here:

http://www.brittanysbasketsofhope.org

 You can follow and support this organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well!

My son Nick, was born with Down syndrome.  After speneding a week in the hospital ICU, he was released on Valentine’s day, 23 years ago.  I was sent home with only a couple of brochures about Down syndrome ,and nothing more.  Looking back it would have been wonderful to receive such a gift and the reassurance from an adult having Down syndrome like her.  I applaud Brittany for her generosity, positive spirit, and commitment to help other families.  Her baskets are filled with resources and special baby gifts for new babies with Down syndrome and given freely with her love.  And most importantly, she sends with each family a strong message of hope.  That’s something a new parent receiving a recent diagnosis of Down syndrome needs the most.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Follow Nick on Facebook & Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism, Instragram #nickdsautism, and on Twitter @tjunnerstall