On February 7, I went to Washington, DC to receive the National Down Syndrome Society's Advocate of the Year Award for 2011. The National Down Syndrome Society is a wonderful organization that supports those of us who are born with Down syndrome. I was born August 24, 1983 in Ft. Worth, Texas, the youngest of three children. I have a great family. We all love and support each other. I believe that is the real reason why my story is so great. I went to a Montessori school. I went to camps. I have travelled all over the world with my family and I have been very fortunate to have a life filled with many opportunities. I have never stopped learning. At Stewart Home School in Frankfort, KY, where I live, I am in classes every day. I also work in the school's Music Department. I sing in the chorus. I am on the basketball team. I serve in our Student Government and I have volunteered at U. S. Representative, Pete Sessions office and am currently volunteering at my U. S. Congressman, Ben Chandlers, office in Lexington. When I visit my family in the Washington, DC area, I go to the Capitol. I speak with the Congressmen there and I have asked them to join the Down Syndrome Caucus. I have signed up more than 30 U. S. Representatives so far and I plan to sign up the others. I'll be back on the Hill this summer and I will continue to ask our elected officials to consider supporting the ABLE act. ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. That is exactly what our country stands for and what every family wants for their children. I will also be asking them to be sure that the National Institute of Health has the funds to continue its research into the health issues facing our citizens who have Down syndrome. I plan to continue to do everything I can to advocate for all of us. I am also planning to be a counselor at a camp for children with Down syndrome this summer. The camp will focus on health and wellness. I have been a counselor at Camp Ramah in California before. I actually attended myself when I was younger, so I have experience. I love helping others and I love advocating for others, too. I have a wonderful life full of friends and great opportunities every day. Everyone deserves a full life! Everyone deserves to have a great story to tell. I am working hard to make sure that their stories will come true!