GRADSA
Having been told from an early age that she has the UP syndrome, not Down, Dana Hamilton is living proof of positive thinking. Her parents, Willie and Tony Hamilton have encouraged Dana in her social, physical and academic pursuits. Competition is certainly no stranger to Dana, but she is a newcomer to the 2014 Color Blast 5K. She and other members of GRADSA (Green River Area Down Syndrome Association) will be walking in the event. The double benefit: active involvement and a portion of the 5K proceeds for their organization.
GRADSA is “dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome,” according to their web site. They provide assistance in four primary areas: hospital outreach, education, new parent outreach program and social events. “You could call anybody who has anything to do with GRADSA and they could steer you in the direction you need—somebody would know who to contact about a newborn, or if somebody needs information about swimming, baseball or basketball, any of those activities so they could be more involved . . . and the more involved the better. It’s as good for the parents as for the child,” Willie said. She readily acknowledged the critical need for a knowledgeable, compassionate support group, as well as having structured outlets for the child’s physical and social involvement. “It’s just like a big family,” added Tony, in regard to their participation with GRADSA.
Willie reaffirmed that it makes such a difference to know there are people who can help, who can come alongside you. “Everybody has their way of dealing with it (DS). There are stages and everyone’s different,” Willie said. “I cried and cried and cried,” said Willie, who went on to share what Tony said: ‘We can cry until she’s 50, but if we steer those tears into something that would help, we’d probably be better off.’” That’s the philosophy that this family has used to encourage, to help, and to develop Dana into an incredible young lady who reaches out to others with that same level of encouragement. Dana’s known for keeping others on the straight and narrow, for not letting them hang back or give less than their best at the Active Day Center, which she attends from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout the week.
Providing volunteer support for the 2014 Color Blast 5K, GRADSA serves seven surrounding counties: McLean, Henderson, Ohio, Hancock, Union, Webster and Daviess. Both Willie and Tony sang the praises of GRADSA’s executive director, Carla Renfrow. “She is God’s right-hand person!” Tony said. She’s the go-to person if anyone has questions or needs to be pointed in the right direction; if she does not know, she will find someone who does, according to the Hamiltons.
Dana certainly found her niche, becoming an exceptional swimmer who represented Special Olympics at the World Games in Belfast, Ireland. Their adage is “If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” That mantra seems to guide every aspect of Dana’s life.
-Gail E. Kirkland