Maryland toddler to be featured in Times Square for Down syndrome awareness
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (7News) — A Montgomery County girl will be featured on the big screen in New York City's Times Square this fall as part of Down syndrome awareness month.
Charleigh-Jean Carozza-Caviness, 3, from Gaithersburg, Md. will appear on the jumbotron on Saturday, Sept. 17, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video presentation.
“Ms. Charleigh here is a character," Erika Carozza-Caviness, her mother said. "She rules the house, as you can see."
Charleigh is about to turn four years old --- and is thriving.
Her mother, Erika, said she was diagnosed with Down syndrome during her pregnancy and she knew there would be some challenges ahead.
“My first OB doctor said she is not going to do anything, don’t worry you shouldn't even keep her and it is a very scary thing at first,” Erika explained.
Despite that, Charleigh defied the odds by walking ahead of schedule among many other things. She loves to dance and play with her cooking equipment along with her best friend and sister, Raleigh.
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“The struggles that she has to work double as hard but I am just like why can’t everyone else give her that chance?” Erika asked.
Now, Charleigh will be making a difference as her photo is one of the hundreds to be featured on the jumbotron in New York City.
The one-hour video of roughly 500 photographs includes children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states.
The photo of Charleigh was selected from more than 2,400 entries in the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) worldwide call for photos.
“It is giving the or anyone with a disability a chance,” Erika said.
The photos by the NDSS will promote the inclusion of those with Down syndrome in a unique way.
Craig, her father, hopes their story inspires others.
“There is a lot of parents that are facing these challenges. One of the best things we can do is support each other and be there for parents who are having these doubts.”
The presentation will be live streamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 17.
Charleigh will also walk in the New York City buddy walk.
