The Spotlight
Hutch Hampton
Hutch Hampton is our extra special son, born with Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease. He has forced us to slow down, celebrate the small victories, and embrace each day with joy & intentionality. Hutch has climbed some very steep mountains and is the most resilient little boy. He is only 2.5 years old but has already been through five open heart surgeries, ten heart catheterizations, and several other surgeries & procedures. Most of the first year and a half of his life was spent in the hospital. His medical challenges have been the hardest part to adjust to, but Hutch is worth it. Hutch loves to read books, dance to music, and interact with people. We're so thankful that we have found a community where his down syndrome diagnosis is supported and celebrated! Hutch has reframed what it means to have courage, patience, grace, and hope. He makes us honored to be a part of the lucky few!
Do You Know Someone Who Should be in the DSAMT Spotlight?
Do you know someone who should to be our Spotlight of the Month? Email a photo and a short explanation why to April@somethingextra.org
Kristianna Young
Kristianna Young is a perfect example of beauty and grace. She is an African American woman with Down syndrome who is making her mark. Kristianna was recently presented to society as a Debutante in the Cotillion Ball/Jabberwock sponsored by the Fortitude Foundation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. She was crowned as the second runner up to Ms. Jabberwock. Kristianna also graduated from Pope John Paul II College Preparatory Academy in Hendersonville, TN in May of 2023. She plans to participate in the Transitions Program through Metro Nashville Public Schools in the fall, which is a vocational training program.
Keiston Flood
Keiston Flood recently participated in the Sparkle Pageant and was named “Mr. Lights Up the Room”. This is a perfect description of Keiston, because it is very rare to see Keiston out when he is not smiling and having a good time. Keiston is an extremely intelligent young man who is often said to be kind, polite, and helpful, especially towards children. DSAMT staff members agree he is a great example of a young gentleman.
Delaney Heflin
In January 2023, Delaney Heflin competed in the TN State Winter Games in Gatlinburg, TN for skiing. While there, she received 1st place in Alpine Slalom and 4th place in Alpine Downhill. This is especially extraordinary since Delaney only started participating in Special Olympics in spring, 2022 and this was a brand-new sport for her.
Nathan Oliver
Over the course of just three months of working, BIG changes were seen in Nathan – and not just at work! Rather than needing lots of encouragement at Circle of Friends, Nathan willingly joined other participants in activities, fully participating in kickboxing, following all instructor directions. We even caught him smiling several times.
Josh Putman
Josh Putman has worked at the Madison Aaron’s for the last 12 months. Josh says he loves his job! He has met new people, has made friends, learns something new every day, and has even sold a washer and dryer!
Cailyn Wheaton
LittleBIG Dog Treats is pretty much a one woman show, and Cailyn literally does it all from following the recipes, coming up with new treats, cutting and laying out treats for baking, bagging, labeling, setting up for sales, passing out information cards, meeting customers and their dogs and collecting the money for sales. It seems the only thing she does not do is taste test the treats - that is her dog Briley’s job.