From the Eau Clare, Wisc.,
Leader-Telegram:
Dan Tjelta, 12, of Eau Claire is helping to raise awareness for Down syndrome in the Chippewa Valley - and on a national level - for the second year in a row.
A photo of Dan was among those chosen from a pool of nearly 3,000 entries in a contest to earn a spot in the Times Square slide show during New York's Buddy Walk for Down syndrome Sept. 28. He and about 250 other children with the genetic disorder will be broadcast on Panasonic's 40-foot Astrovision screen.
Dan, a natural performer, doesn't mind the attention, his mother Vicki said.
The photo is an action shot she took during Dan's ballet performance in this year's spring recital with Dance With Grace, a dance company in Eleva.
Not only is it one of Vicki Tjelta's favorite photos of Dan, she said it also demonstrates that individuals with Down syndrome are capable of anything.
"The pictures they pick show Down syndrome kids of all ages doing all kinds of different things," she said.
This will be Dan's second appearance in the Buddy Walk slide show at Times Square. Last year's photo was another dance shot, although that one was a posed portrait in one of his sequined tap costumes - complete with top hat.
His father, Terry Tjelta, said dance always has been Dan's main passion. When Dance With Grace produces the video of each recital, he said Dan spends time in their living room learning each dance, whether or not he was part of the routine.
"He learns them all," he said. "He dances all the time."
Though they haven't seen the building where Dan's photo will appear on a larger-than-life scale, the Tjeltas said they're excited that it will help raise national Down syndrome awareness.
"That's quite an honor, to be on the Times Square billboard," said Amy Staniford, the Chippewa Valley Buddy Walk's organizer. "It brings awareness back to the Chippewa Valley, and that's great for this time of the year when we're trying to promote that."
The Chippewa Valley is one of 275 cities across the nation hosting a Buddy Walk in support of October's status as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The Chippewa Valley Buddy Walk, also Sept. 28, will be at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls.
Staniford, whose 2-year-old son, Sawyer, also has Down syndrome, said walking promotes awareness that is crucial in helping the public accept individuals with the disorder.
Vicki Tjelta said people in the area are helpful and receptive, but there are a few who still haven't overcome the fear of uncertainty - of what to say and how to act. "They don't realize they can really be their friend," she said.
Though individuals with Down syndrome aren't known for strong communication skills, she said it's just a matter of finding a common interest. "They're just like everyone else - see the people first instead of the Down syndrome."
Staniford said Down syndrome no longer is as unacceptable as it once was.
The walk, the second in Chippewa Valley, has become a celebration for the individuals' accomplishments.
"In the past, it was never celebrated like this. Who doesn't want to have a party?"
From the Eau Clare, Wisc., Leader-Telegram: