You have GOT to see this....

[laurasnowbird]

This was posted on another list-serve. Please go view this video - it will make your day. The link is at the end of this post. Make sure to read the mother's essay - I'm still crying!

The Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Road is pleased to recognize the Hanover County Fire Department Station 10 for their work with an individual with Down Syndrome. The members of Station 10 have taken in Mark Southworth as an associate
member of their firehouse for the past 8 years.

Mark's firehouse is a finalist in the Firedog Across America contest, sponsored by Circuit City. They were named a finalist out of over 5,100 entrants, specifically for their work with Mark.

Between now and May 13th, people will have the chance to vote for which finalist they like the best. Each of the first 250,000 votes cast for finalists earns a $1 donation from Circuit City to that station, and the firehouse with the most votes receives an additional $100,000. The station has already received a $20,000 donation for becoming a finalist, which they will use towards equipping a new heavy rescue unit.

The link to vote for the station is attached. You can watch the short video (starring Mark) and read the wonderful essay submitted by his mother to get a feel for the impact they've had on Mark and the community.

web.firedog.com/acrossamerica/finalist.aspx?fi=6


All you have to do is click and vote for this great organization!

Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads
6300 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23502
[phone]
www.dsahr.org

[dpurvis]

That's great - I cast my vote!!

[ALLISA]

That was touching, thanks for sharing Laura

[Mary_L.]

What a wonderful story. My DH is a fireman and none of my kids have had much interest in it. I love that those men have included Mark in their house~they got my vote.

[Cbean]

Thank you so much Laura!!! I loved it!!!

[char]

I voted, and was so touched by the story. Thanks for sharing this.

Char

[Debbie]

Thanks for sharing this with us. It really made my day!

[Emilysmom]

Very touching........I voted for this one!

[CC]

THANKS for sharing this, I am passing this on to my g/f now. Her son Shaun, 25 also DS whom resides at Pathfinder Village www.pathfindervillage.org/ He has been there a few years now and loving it. He works during the day and at his last meeting they asked him what he would like to add to his day and he said he would like to volunteer some. The local fire department up there was an option and he opted for it and they accepted him ;D

I am not sure what he will be doing BUT they want him and he wants to due it and its a win win situation

and

I say God Bless the Fire Departments ;D

CC ~

[laurasnowbird]

Hmmm, CC, maybe the fire department could contact the firefighters in this video? Sounds like they would have lots of ideas 'bout how to include him in their station!

[mommygwen]

Chickahominy Volunteer Fire Station #10 in the full name as listed on the Firedog website. That's who we hope you'll vote for.

Great guys!! They come tromping into our house some years ago when Jonathan (who has severe cerebral palsy) rolled face down into his pillow and was scarcely breathing when I picked him up.

I remember boots,
Big yellow boots at he bedside.
They gave Jonathan oxygen.
He opened his eyes, saw firemen and smiled.

Whew !! The emotions of just thinking about it all.

[wrblack]

Very good group there. So, yep, I voted for no. 6 too. But did anybody look at no. 2? I wouldn't be too upset if they won.
And funny thing is, these stories are not all that unusual. Remember reading about Phoenix FD, www.snopes.com/glurge/fireman.asp
Hmm, I should go buy my BIL a beer. Never mind why. -- Bob

[Chester]

Thanks for sharing Laura.

Yahoo, to video #6, wouldn't it be nice if everything for everyone fell into place so nice!?

Dawn

[Many]

I voted for them. They are so...awesome! I hope they win...thanks for sharing!

[wrblack]

Looks like they did win. See
web.firedog.com/acrossamerica/
And this firehouse will receive a total of $141,402. Hope they can spend some of it on a really good party. -- Bob