Association History

The thought of a Down syndrome organization came about in the year 2001 when two parents of children with Down syndrome met for the first time through their genetic specialist, Dr. Mislen Bauer at Miami Children’s Hospital. Frances Capo and Lily Rossel had the same ideas at heart and decided to make those ideas into a reality. They decided to organize a family picnic at a local park where all families of children with Down syndrome could meet. Each family brings a dish and shares the day with all of the other families. The event became the first "Let's Get to Know Each Other" picnic, which will be held for the sixth year in a row in January 2008.

As the years passed, both Frances and Lily decided to organize an association that could bring all families together where more networking and events could take place to help raise awareness in the community. With the help of others, the Down Syndrome Association of Miami (DSAOM) became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in September of 2005.

It is the mission of the DSAOM to educate people in our community about Down syndrome and to show them that individuals with Down syndrome are just that – individuals – people who have personalities, ideas, and most of all, a beautiful heart. Their love is infinite and unconditional. With that in mind, the journey of the DSAOM truly began.

Since the association’s inception in 2005, DSAOM has relied on smaller fundraisers, such as bake sales at Miami Children’s Hospital, for financial support. This year, DSAOM is proud to announce its Inaugural Miracle Walk on Sunday, October 14, 2007 in Coral Gables.

For additional information, please e-mail your inquiry to info@dsaom.org

Board of Directors