The Spotlight
Maddie Hawkins
One of the most amazing things that ever happened to me was getting a swimming pool from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. That’s when I found out how much I LOVE swimming. And guess what? In 2024, I won my first gold medal in the Special Olympics! I was so happy! I got to go to the Capitol for Down syndrome Day on the Hill. I met with lawmakers and talked about how important it is to support kids like me. It made me feel proud. When I grow up, I want to be a baby nurse like my mom. I LOVE babies! If I see a baby, I want to play with it, feed it, or even change its diaper. They make me so happy.
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
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.
Meghan Maynard
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee is proud to present 2016 Self-Advocate of the Year Meghan Maynard!
Claire Davis
Claire, who is about 18 months old, has Down syndrome, and has been in the hospital more than most people will in their entire lives.
Sammy Martinez
Luz Jirasko and Rodrigo Martinez speak with DSAMT about their 18 month old miracle, Sammy, who is in for one of his last rounds of chemotherapy.
Sharmane Pearson
Sharmane has won four Special Olympics World Games medals, and is a favorite at DSAMT events because of her joy and humor.