Released on = September 26, 2006, 12:30 pm

Press Release Author = DS Support, Inc.

Industry = Non Profit

Press Release Summary = GOVERNOR blagojevich today signed a proclamation marking
October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois.

Press Release Body = Date: September 20, 2006

GOVERNOR blagojevich SIGNS Down Syndrome AWARENESS PROCLAMATION
GOVERNOR blagojevich today signed a proclamation marking October as Down Syndrome
Awareness Month in Illinois.

The text of the Governor's proclamation is as follows:
Whereas, approximately one in every 733 children are born with Down syndrome,
representing approximately 5,000 births per year in United States; and

Whereas, while research and early intervention have resulted in dramatic
improvements in the lifespan and potential of those who are affected, more
investigation is needed in the causes and treatment of Down syndrome; and

Whereas, people with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities, and are active
participants in educational, occupational, social, and recreational circles of the
community; and
Whereas, developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995, the Buddy Walk is
an annual event in cities across Illinois and the nation celebrating the
accomplishments of children and adults with Down syndrome; and

Whereas, DS Support has supported families who have children with disabilities, and
special healthcare needs for 6 years in Illinois and desires to increase the support
network and support groups of those with Down syndrome across our state; and
Whereas, the goal of the Buddy Walk is to promote increased understanding and
acceptance of people with Down syndrome, while raising funds for scientific research
into the causes and treatment.

Therefore, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby
proclaim October 2006 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois, and encourage
all citizens to work together to promote awareness of Down syndrome and to celebrate
the accomplishments of these individuals and their families.

For more information on the Buddy Walk or DS Support, contact Jennifer Paganessi at
DS Support (815) 439-8693 or info@dssupport.net.

###

Note: Media representatives interested in covering the event should contact Jennifer
Paganessi, at 815-439-8693. Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality affecting
more than 350,000 people in the United States. Individuals with Down syndrome
possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in the educational,
occupational, social and recreational activities of the community.

Web Site = http://www.dssupport.net/buddywalk

Contact Details = DS Support
Jennifer Paganessi
10052 S Bode Rd, Unit D
Plainfield, IL 60585
815-439-8693
info@dssupport.net