Local girl to appear in lights on Broadway

Upper Freehold youngster is part of National Down Syndrome Society’s awareness campaign.

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   Alaina DeMauro of Upper Freehold will appear Sunday in lights on Broadway as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s awareness campaign to demonstrate people with Down syndrome can be successfully included in community activities, education and employment.
   In the face of the recent tragedy only miles from Times Square, the National Down Syndrome Society’s message of acceptance and inclusion — for both those with and without Down syndrome — is more important than ever. Helping to send a message to the world that America is standing strong and standing together, the awareness campaign, which is kicked off by a video presentation in Times Square, and the New York City Buddy Walk will go on as planned.
   The photo of Alaina, a 3-year-old who has Down syndrome, was selected from more than 1,000 entries nationwide. Approximately 200 photographs will appear in a video production to be shown on the NBC Astrovision by Panasonic, located in the heart of Times Square.
   Alaina is pictured with her mother, Jennifer, and her 2-year-old brother, Nicholas. Not pictured but participating in Sunday’s events is Alaina’s 11-year-old sister, Amanda.
   The awareness campaign and video production, coordinated by NDSS, focus on the theme, "A Celebration of Community." The production ends with the popular NDSS public service announcement featuring NDSS National Advisory Board Member Tracey Ullman, star of the popular HBO series, "Tracey Takes On" and NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke, best known for playing Corky on the ABC series "Life Goes On."
   Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects more than 350,000 people in the United States alone. People with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in the educational, occupational, social and recreational activities of the community.
   For information about Down syndrome and referrals to local and national resources, call the NDSS Helpline at 800-221-4602 or visit www.ndss.org.