Michelle Whitten

Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy. Founded in 2009, Global has the primary focus of supporting the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the U.S. committed to research and medical care for people with the condition, and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children's Hospital Colorado, the largest multidisciplinary team focused on medical care for pediatric and adolescent patients with Down syndrome in the U.S. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term goal. Global organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show -- the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome -- and the Be Beautiful Be Yourself DC Gala. Programmatically, Global organizes and funds many programs and conferences, including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Program. Global is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.