Julia’s Way Virtual Breastfeeding Group for Expectant & New Mothers

Thursday, February 1st | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Each month, we offer a virtual support group for breastfeeding, pumping, and expectant mothers of babies with Down syndrome, co-moderated by Jill Rabin, SLP, IBCLC and Rachel Murphy, RN, IBCLC mother of breastfed child with Down syndrome. Come share about your journey, meet other mothers, and ask any questions you may have! Common topics include sleepiness, weight gain, NICU stay, getting back to breast, breastfeeding with cardiac or other conditions or surgeries. Please note time zone and adjust accordingly.
We may occasionally welcome medical students who are interested in gaining information and insight about breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome to benefit their knowledge and practice.

To ensure the respectful space of expectant and new moms, we ask that you find a private space for this meeting and please note that dads/male partners are not allowed to participate. We hope you appreciate the sensitivities and safe space we provide. We look forward to meeting you!

The group is free, but advanced registration is required.

This group typically meets the first Thursday of each month, but exact dates show when you register below! You will be sent a Zoom link for each session you register for.

Winter Wonderland Dance with Bentley University Best Buddies! (ages 20+)

Friday, February 2nd | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bentley University 175 Forest Street Waltham, MA 02452

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bentley Best Buddies to host a Winter Wonderland Dance for MDSC adults ages 20+! Throw on your sparkliest dress, favorite blue or white top, or even your Olaf costume, and join us for a night of dancing, games, socializing, snacks, and FUN! It’s chilly outside and the dance floor is a GREAT place to warm up!

*Please note, this is a drop off event. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay if preferred.

Register for Winter Wonderland Dance!

South Shore Play Group

Saturday, February 3rd | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cardinal Cushing Gymnasium

Join us for a fun family meet-up at Cardinal Cushing Gym Saturday, February 3rd from 3pm – 5pm.

DIRECTIONS:
Use the entrance not designated for the shops/café.
Drive straight up and veer slightly left.
The gymnasium is to the left of the main campus building which has large pillars out front.
Parking is available out front and to the side of the gymnasium.

If you’d like to RSVP or have any questions, please contact Cara at ssdsplaygroup@gmail.com or 617-460-0028.

Ice Skating at MarketStreet Lynnfield (for individuals with Ds of all ages, families & friends)

Sunday, February 4th | 9:00am - 11:00am
MarketSteet Lynnfield 600 Market St Lynnfield, MA 01940

This event has been RESCHEDULED for Sunday, February 4th. We look forward to seeing you all next month!

Individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, families and friends are invited to join us for our second annual Ice Skating at MarketStreet Lynnfield Event!

Free to Attend!
Skates, snacks & drinks included!

During the event, snacks and drinks will be served in the warming tent for skaters who work up an appetite or for anyone who wants a break from the cold!

A limited number of staff and volunteers will be present to assist skaters and skate assists will also be available for beginners.

*Helmets will not be provided, but are highly recommended for all skaters!* (it could be a bike helmet, motorcycle helmet, equestrian helmet – anything to protect the noggin!)

Please note this is NOT a drop off event. Parents and/or caregivers are required to stay for the duration of this event.

Register for Ice Skating at MarketStreet Lynnfield!

Valentine’s Day Friendship Dance! with Mansfield High School Best Buddies! (ages 13-22)

Wednesday, February 14th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Mansfield High School 250 East Street Mansfield, MA 02048

Valentine’s Day is about bringing happiness and warmth to your heart! Come celebrate the holiday with an evening of dancing, socializing, and themed activities with Mansfield High School Best Buddies – the largest Best Buddies chapter in Massachusetts! Snacks and drinks will be served, but please plan to have dinner before or after the event.

*Please note, this is a drop off event. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay if preferred.

Julia’s Way Virtual Breastfeeding Group for Expectant & New Mothers

Thursday, March 7th | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Each month, we offer a virtual support group for breastfeeding, pumping, and expectant mothers of babies with Down syndrome, co-moderated by Jill Rabin, SLP, IBCLC and Rachel Murphy, RN, IBCLC mother of breastfed child with Down syndrome. Come share about your journey, meet other mothers, and ask any questions you may have! Common topics include sleepiness, weight gain, NICU stay, getting back to breast, breastfeeding with cardiac or other conditions or surgeries. Please note time zone and adjust accordingly.
We may occasionally welcome medical students who are interested in gaining information and insight about breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome to benefit their knowledge and practice.

To ensure the respectful space of expectant and new moms, we ask that you find a private space for this meeting and please note that dads/male partners are not allowed to participate. We hope you appreciate the sensitivities and safe space we provide. We look forward to meeting you!

The group is free, but advanced registration is required.

This group typically meets the first Thursday of each month, but exact dates show when you register below! You will be sent a Zoom link for each session you register for.

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration!

Saturday, March 9th | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Castle of the Knights: 1599 Memorial Dr. Chicopee, MA 01020

Our friends at the Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western MA are holding an early World Down Syndrome Day Celebration! DSRGWM invites families to join together to dine, dance and celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome! The celebration includes a 50/50 Raffle and Cash Bar.

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21 and is a holiday recognized around the globe since 2007. March 21st or 3/21 symbolizes the third copy of the 21st chromosome that results in Down syndrome. This special day is a great opportunity to celebrate us and our loved ones who have been blessed with this extra chromosome, granting us membership in the coolest club, often called “the lucky few”.

Tickets may be refunded with requested notification by 2/28.

FREE Music at the Blissful Event – March 9 in Jamaica Plain

Saturday, March 9th | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
663 Center Street, Jamaica Plain, MA

Evan Haller from “Music at the Blissful” is generously offering a FREE accessible event for families whose child with Down syndrome is 0 – 5! Siblings welcome!

DATE/TIME: Saturday, March 9 from 3:30 – 4:30

LOCATION: Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio, 663 Center Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
T accessible! Closest T stop is the Green Street T station (orange line) and then just a few blocks walk
Free 2-hour parking behind Blanchards on Burroughs Street which is just around the corner

RSVP is encouraged and helpful, however drop-ins are welcome. Reach out to Sarah Cullen with any questions: scullen@mdsc.org

Julia’s Way Virtual Breastfeeding Group for Expectant & New Mothers

Thursday, April 4th | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Each month, we offer a virtual support group for breastfeeding, pumping, and expectant mothers of babies with Down syndrome, co-moderated by Jill Rabin, SLP, IBCLC and Rachel Murphy, RN, IBCLC mother of breastfed child with Down syndrome. Come share about your journey, meet other mothers, and ask any questions you may have! Common topics include sleepiness, weight gain, NICU stay, getting back to breast, breastfeeding with cardiac or other conditions or surgeries. Please note time zone and adjust accordingly.
We may occasionally welcome medical students who are interested in gaining information and insight about breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome to benefit their knowledge and practice.

To ensure the respectful space of expectant and new moms, we ask that you find a private space for this meeting and please note that dads/male partners are not allowed to participate. We hope you appreciate the sensitivities and safe space we provide. We look forward to meeting you!

The group is free, but advanced registration is required.

This group typically meets the first Thursday of each month, but exact dates show when you register below! You will be sent a Zoom link for each session you register for.

Team MDSC runs the 128th Boston Marathon

Monday, April 15th |

On April 15th, Team MDSC will take on the 26.2 trek from Hopkinton to Copley Square.

MDSC is a proud official charity of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. Through this program, dozens of dedicated individuals have had the opportunity to fulfill their personal dream and run the Boston marathon in honor of people with Down syndrome.