Alexanders Angels Inc

Seven years ago my niece Allie was born with Down Syndrome. Alexander's angels has helped us meet others going through the same things. It is a family, one that I am proud to be a member of.

I am happy to be a part of Alexander's Angels. I have been a co chair for the Fundraising committee for 7 years and I am happy making a difference each year raising money for adults and children with Down Syndrome. My daughter Alexandra is seven years old and has Down Syndrome she is an active spunky girl and I wouldn't change her at all. Thank you to everyone for helping make a difference.

Alexander's Angels is a non-profit organization that helps raise awareness and acceptance with people with Down Syndrome. When I had my daughter that's when I found out she has Down Syndrome. With Alexander angels I feel like it is a day where we can celebrate everything that our children have accomplished. It is a day where the community can all be together celebrating our sons and daughters. I honestly feel like this group really brings people closer together.

Thank goodness for Alexander's Angels! When we moved to Long Island 8 years ago, it was very difficult to find a support organization for children with Down Syndrome. Through Alexander's Angels, their fundraising efforts, newsletters, emails etc., we have been able to find so many programs available to us for our son who is now 13 years old because of their information. They also helps sponser the yearly Buddywalk for Down Syndrome which we find so important as a family to celebrate the community of parents, siblings, educators, advocates, and the people themselves involved in bettering the lives of those we love. Alexander's Angel's always focuses on the positives with their support of the arts, films, recreational options, research information etc. Alexander's Angels is an organization that is a grounding point for me and my family when it comes to needing support or information related in the many different areas touched by that extra special chromosome. We are so excited to see how Alexander's Angels has grown each year to be able to provided more information and support and look forward to what is in store for the future through this fine organization!

Alexanders Angels is an organization that provides support and raises awareness for those individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Esther Gomez-Nieto, President of the organization is a tireless worker. Her main focus is on helping individuals with Down Syndrome and their families lead productive, inclusive lives. Alexanders Angels through it's fundraising efforts provides support to organizations that are actively involved in providing support and research relating to Down Syndrome.

Alexander's Angels is an all volunteer organization that is focused solely on promoting the well-being of those diagnosed with Down syndrome. This is accomplished through its sponsorship of various events that increase awareness of the capabilities and invaluable contributions of those with Down syndrome. Proceeds raised at these events are used to support research and service delivery in support of those with Down Syndrome.

As I stated last year, as President and Co-Founder of Alexander's Angels, Inc., I am proud of the achievements of our all volunteer, not-for-profit organization. What began as a project to start a Buddy Walk® in Long Island has blossomed into a full-fledged not-for profit organization. To address awareness issues in and outside the Down syndrome community--in addition to being the organizer of the annual Buddy Walk® an activity established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995--Alexander’s Angels, Inc. established two successful programs, the exhibition series DOWNrightART (see http://www.alexandersangels.org/id25.html) that showcases the works of artists with Down syndrome, and the symposium The Up of Down: An Insight Into the World of Down Syndrome(see http://www.alexandersangels.org/id38.html) that includes at least one self-advocate. By highlighting abilities of individuals with Down syndrome, Alexander’s Angels, Inc. aims to improve the way society perceives and defines individuals, that is, by their intrinsic value, not by their disabilities.

Alexanders Angels is an organization of wonderful, caring people who provide support and raise awareness for those individuals and families living with Down syndrome. Our organizational founder and President, Esther Gomez-Nieto is a tireless worker and continues to strive to help these families lead inclusive, productive and fulfilling lives and achieve their potential that is with all of us. Alexanders Angels is a great gift to the world of Down syndrome!

I am so proud to have been named to the Board of Directors this year. Alexander's Angels is truly a grass roots organization born of the love and lack of information found by a grandmother of a child with Down syndrome. Esther Gomez-Nieto and her family are inspirational in their dedication to education and advocacy as well as fundraising for research.

Alexanders Angel's is a wonderful organization that not only raises money to support individuals with Down syndrome, but also supports, advocates and raises awareness for individuals themselves.

Alexander Angel's has reached out and supported our organization which focuses on individuals with Down syndrome lending guidance, support and a donation.

When I think of the slogan "We are more alike than different" I think of Alexanders Angel's....Why? They have put on and showed the world that individuals with Down syndrome can in fact do everything that everyone else can do by show casing their talent in art and supporting them. Thank you Alexanders Angel's for being supportive and advocating for our children, showing all the positive things they can do. Your mission is so inspiring to so many who are so often over looked and under estimated. Your hard work and your endless hours of dedication is so very grately appreciated. Thank you Alexanders Angel's for all you do.

I began volunteering with Alexander's Angels for their 4th Annual Buddy Walk. I am a student at SUNY Old Westbury, majoring in Special Education. As my interest in my field of study grew, I began researching ways to reach out, volunteer, and learn more. I found Alexander's Angels, agreed with their purpose and goals, and instantly became interested in getting involved. I first began behind the scenes, helping out here and there. This past October we held the 6th Annual Buddy Walk, and I am now the Co-Chair of the Events committee. My commitment and interest has only grown with each year I have been involved with this organization. I've watched the fundraisers and events grow year by year, feeling a sense of pride to be involved in such a caring and growing organization. Not only has this organization made great strides and reached many fundraising goals, but being a part of the experiences has provided me with so much knowledge and a sense of fulfillment. Being a part of this organization has given me the feeling of being part of an extended family. Every person involved has been nothing but warm and welcoming to me since day one. I am very honored to be involved in such a great cause with a great team of support. Alexander's Angels has touched so many lives, including my own.

As a museum professional, always looking for new ways of engaging new audiences and displaying art that represents a broad spectrum of artists, cultures and times, Alexander's Angels provided me with the opportunity to learn about and work with Down Syndrome artists and advocates in an inspiring and creative way. The opportunity to display art at museums and galleries, to invite the artists and their families and to sell their artwork is an example of necessary practices that show the world the value of the work of the artists' involved and creates new ways of understanding Down Syndrome. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with a small organization that works so hard to present to the world in a very professional way the contributions of individual's with Down Syndrome. Examples of the different exhibitions are • Hutchins Gallery, LIU/C.W. Post - January 14 - 31, 2009, Reception, January 18, 2009. • Casa Frela, NYC - March 14 - April 4, 2009. Reception, March 14,2009• Soapbox Gallery, Brooklyn - April 2011 • Community Gallery, Port Washington Library - Sept. 1 - Sept 30, 2011. Reception Sept. 2, 2012 • 28on27, NYC, March 21 to 29, 2012. Reception, March 21, 2012. Article on this exhibition at http://www.stayclassy.org/stories/a-small-all-volunteer-organization-makes-a-difference-for-down-syndrome

I am a mother to Maximus, a 5 year old boy with Mosaic Down Syndrome. Until I became involved with the Buddy Walk or Alexanders Angels, the only Down Syndrome support we could find was what was written in articles or Doctors. We firts joined the Buddy Walk 3 years ago and fell in love with all the participants and more importantly the Down Syndrome children they were there to support. The Buddy Walk is all about acceptance and just being around people who can relate to some of the issues a family and Down Syndrome participant face. Alexanders Angels brings advocacy groups to the walk where we are able to get tons of resources for Down Syndrome programs, they display artwork made by Down Syndrome individuals and live performances by Down Syndrome children and adults. They create a forum where these individuals don't stand out because of their DISABILITY but stand out because of their incredible ABILITIES!! I have met so many great families through the Buddy Walk and my friends and family look forward to the Buddy Walk every year.

I have been lucky enough to be involved with Alexanders Angels since the beginning, in once capacity or another. I can truly say that helping, even in such a small way, has made me a better person and helped me to be thankful for all that I have every day. The people, and especially the kids, whom I have met are all wonderful.

what can i say but alexanders angels has been the most amazing thing to us. every year we look forward to the buddy walk. the feeling of support and love is in the air...........and may be one of the only times our family is all together. we look forward to it and always have such an a fun day. my son is now 6. we have walked every year and plan to do it many more.alexanders angels has brought so much awarness to our community. it helps people to see that these kids can do anything! i am honored to be a part of this wonderful organization, and truly think the people that make it happen are selfless blessed people.thank you alexanders angels..for taking us all under your wings.

Alexanders Angels Inc. is a wonderful organization that not only raises money for Down Syndrome but also allows there to be a platform here on Long Island from which we can advocate and educate others about Down Syndrome. My youngest son is 4 years old and was born with Down Syndrome. He is the love of our loves! Without such an organization it would be more difficult to spread the awareness of Down Syndrome and to show other families and the community how "normal' life is. Every year at the Buddy Walk my friends and family always walk away saying what a great day it was! The turn out is spectacular; it is a fun filled day for the kids. So thank you Alexanders Angels for your continuous hard work and dedication; and most importantly for helping make the future for our beautiful kids as great as ever!

I am so honored to have been a part of Alexander's Angels. I have known its president and founders for several years and I admire them for the dedication and hardwork. This organization does an extraordinary job in furthuring awareness and highlighting the unique talents of individuals with Down Syndrome.

Being a father of a 33 year son with Down syndrome and a director of Research Down Syndrome (RDS) I can't say enough about the dedication and passion that Alexander's Angels brings to this cause. Understanding the link between Alzheimer's and DS is both exciting and terrifying to me at the same time. Terrifying because by the age of 40 all DS individuals develop the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's but exciting in the sense that the research that Alexander's Ange helps to fund is developing medications to fight this eventuality. I commend Alexander's Angels in educating the public about the positive aspects of Down syndrome and the fact that this world is a better place with Down syndrome people in it. I highly recommend that you join and support Alexander's Angels in its public awareness efforts and it's tireless effort of raising funding for cutting edge research. Jack Dean

We have been associated with Alexander's Angels for almost a decade. Being from Long Island, it brings us great pride to see the dedicated and important work that this organization is doing to help build a more loving and inclusive world for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. They are truly a professional, first class organization and we look forward to our continued association for many years to come! -Chris Burke ("Corky" Life Goes On) with Joe and John DeMasi

I am the care-giver of Max, a young child who has Mosaic Down Syndrome. We learned of Alexander's Angels several years ago and our circle of extended family and friends love getting involved with the Buddy Walk. It is refreshing to see such a large, enthusiastic turnout for this wonderful event. While this event is continually a success in raising money for research, services and advocacy for people with Down Syndrome, it is especially noteworthy how much Alexander's Angels is devoted to truly highlighting the unique talents and abilities of people with Down Syndrome. It focuses on their wonderful ABILITIES rather than focusing on their disabilities.

This is so important to me because when I look at this small child, I don't see a child with disabilities. Max is only five years old, but he is a caring, funny, energetic and extremely charming child. I love watching him grow and know he will do exceptional things. Of course, you hope this for every child, but knowing what Max will eventually excel with is more of a guessing game.

Another program Alexander's Angels provides, which I have a particular love for as a photography enthusiast, is 'DOWNrightART,' which is an exhibition of the creative works of artists with Down syndrome. Seeing some of the pieces on display at the Buddy Walk led me to peruse the internet looking at photography by people with Down Syndrome and what I found was incredible. My point here is that it was stand-alone, wonderful photography and became irrelevant that the artist had a 'disability,' because of their wonderful ABILITY. I don't know what sort of interests and talents Max will consider or develop as a young man; perhaps photography or another medium of art won't be his thing…but he will find something and I have no doubt he will be incredible at it.

That is what Alexander's Angels is all about -- looking past the surface and embracing the individual.

My daughter has Mosaic Down Syndrome and the annual buddy walk and Friendly's fundraiser events are some of the activities we always are involved in. Our newest location for the buddy walk, Tanner Park, was recently damaged by hurricane Sandy. I am hopeful the site that was on the beautiful Great South Bay can become more gorgeous than ever. It was my favorite location thus far. The amount of money this organization has given to research for those with Down Syndrome is extraordinary. The walks are very well organized and have gtown quite popular on Long Island.

Alexander's Angels is an amazing organization that is making great strides in raising awareness and advocating for children and adults with Down Syndrome. Attend an event, such as The Long Island Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome and you will leave a better person for seeing the hard work done by Alexander's Angels to pull off such a heartwarming event!!

I was first referred to the President of this organization by the legal host of a weekly radio show that counseled families on the services offered to their children with disabilities on Long Island. As a former special education teacher for over three decades and author of a book about my sister who was born with Down syndrome in 1948, I was anxious to meet this person, who, like myself was not a parent of a child with a disability but a family member who was moved to provide advocacy and service to the most wonderful collective group of human beings I have ever encountered. Upon attending several of Alexander's Angel events (two annual DOWNrightART Exhibitions that highlight the artistic achievements of those with Down syndrome around the globe; and a Buddy Walk in Eisenhower Park), I was awed by the indefagibility of its President and Co founder, the depth and breadth of her reach to find individuals with Ds who contributed greatly to their communities; her insistence on their ABILITIES rather than on what limits they might face; her willingness to embrace other kinds of goals under her agency's umbrella; the extraordinary imdividuals she would gather to disseminate information on scientific breakthroughs, self advocates sharing their goals and aspirations as well as the obstacles they face; and her extraordinary ability to raise funds from corpoations and sports teams. Not only is the President of this organization a dynamo, but what her efforts accomplish on behalf of inspiring confidence in those with Ds, and appreciation for their many artistic and creative contributions by those in the general public is awe inspiring. This past March, Alexander's Angels hosted a three day event which highlighted paintings, photographs, sculpture, poittery, weavings, etc., from artists with Down syndrome from Australia, England, Puerto Rico, Canada, Alaska, California, Tennessee, New York and various other places in the United States, at a art gallery in midtown Manhattan. Movies, whose main characters had Ds were shown, a panel of self advocates shared their views and what I believe was the first ever panel of siblings of those with Ds in the world, discussed their particular outlooks and concerns for their siblings. A leading scientist also shared his information on clinical trials that might ultimately address breathroughs in cognition, speech and memory for those with Ds. Rarely, does an organization offer this kind of service and diversity to the populations they serve. The advocacy for those with Down syndrome by Alexander's Angels has helped create a more accepting public for this former group of people who were often shunned and always underestimated.