One of the challenges for families who have children with Down syndrome are the uncovered expenses. There is a $1,500 annual cap on medical equipment on medical insurance plans. This doesn't come close to covering typical costs. For example, a safe stroller for Paul starts at $3,000. The daily activity chair he uses in the house was over $3,000. Even an adaptor seat for the toilet is $500.

Paul is outgrowing the typical car seats. However, specially equipped Mini-Vans that have a fold out ramp are costly. The cost of conversion exceeds the cost of the van itself. Then the chair he needs to be transported in is $5,000. 

We cannot have a typical babysitter since we need to have someone who can handle his seizures. The sitter needs to check his sugar levels, prepare and administer his meds, prepare and feed him a special diet. As a result, we were only able to go out three evenings last year.

This is the short list of what my family and thousands of others run into. The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) helps us in so many ways by providing a support system, networking opportunities, access to resources, and advocacy efforts to ensure all individuals with Down syndrome are given the opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

Any donations to the MDSC will help kids like Paul. Thank you very much.

Sincerely, 

Marc Epstein, Paul's dad