Life of the Week: William and Kate accept artwork from woman with Down Syndrome
By Lauren Enriquez
Infants, children and adults with Down syndrome often suffer the
effects of social and ethical stigmas. From the moment of a prenatal
diagnosis and well into adulthood (if they are not aborted), individuals
with Down syndrome – and their families – may suffer from
discrimination, misunderstanding, and ridicule simply because of
chromosomal differences.
In an inspiring public move, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have recently reached out in a way that may help to diminish some of the stigma from which persons with Down syndrome and their families suffer.
During Kate Middleton’s pregnancy with Prince George, Tazia Fawley,
who has Down syndrome, spent much of her time crafting a beautiful
painting in hopes that the couple would receive her offering as a gift
after the prince was born. According to the Huffington Post, the
painting depicts Rupert the Bear, a children’s classic, flying in a hot
air balloon. You can view the painting here at
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/12/will-kate-painting-gift_n_3915196.html.
Tazia spent six months on the painting and when it was completed, the director of Heart and Sold (an organization which advocates for artists with Down syndrome) took a photo of the painting and sent it to the royal couple, asking whether the young family would be willing to accept the painting as a gift.
Although William and Kate are not privy to accepting gifts from the public, they enthusiastically received the beautiful piece of artwork. Tazia’s mother, who hopes that the celebrity influence of the royal couple will encourage people who discriminate against Down syndrome, commented on the incident, saying:
Editor’s note. Lauren has worked for great organizations such as Texas Right to Life and Students for Life of America. This first appeared at liveactionnews.org
Source: NRLC News
Tazia Fawley
In an inspiring public move, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have recently reached out in a way that may help to diminish some of the stigma from which persons with Down syndrome and their families suffer.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Photo credit: Tom Soper Photography
Photo credit: Tom Soper Photography
Tazia spent six months on the painting and when it was completed, the director of Heart and Sold (an organization which advocates for artists with Down syndrome) took a photo of the painting and sent it to the royal couple, asking whether the young family would be willing to accept the painting as a gift.
Although William and Kate are not privy to accepting gifts from the public, they enthusiastically received the beautiful piece of artwork. Tazia’s mother, who hopes that the celebrity influence of the royal couple will encourage people who discriminate against Down syndrome, commented on the incident, saying:
“In England, there always has been a
stigma attached to [Down syndrome], and now that is washed away by the
fact that the Duke and Duchess have accepted that painting. For this to
happen, it’s kind of turned that negativity around.”
Fawley’s mother also hopes that the event will inspire and encourage
other individuals with Down syndrome to pursue their dreams.Editor’s note. Lauren has worked for great organizations such as Texas Right to Life and Students for Life of America. This first appeared at liveactionnews.org
Source: NRLC News
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