John-Robert

John-Robert is 18 years old and is a multi-talented athlete from Louisiana. He’s pictured here at the 2019 Special Olympics NC New Hanover County fall games. He's been most active in Miracle League baseball, Unified basketball, and softball—each of which he hopes to resume when his family feels it is safe to do so.

John-Robert's mother, Amanda, has been researching the effects of Covid-19 on individuals with Down syndrome. A recent study found that people with Down syndrome are 10 times more likely to not survive the virus. Several Down syndrome organizations have worked together to create a resource entitled "The Q&A on Covid and Down Syndrome," which can be downloaded from the National Down Syndrome Society website. The report, in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, noted that people with this genetic condition are "a group that is not currently strategically protected." This makes social distancing and wearing masks even more critical.

Though not engaged in the same group activities, John-Robert stays active throughout the week while an online student in a local transition program for young adults. He has a private independent skill helper who, for 4 hours a day, works with him on projects such as planning a fall garden and building a greenhouse. Another recent adventure included a kayaking trip up the Cape Fear River with a guided group.

As he is now 18, John-Robert will soon get his identification card and register for the Civil Service. He also voted for the first time recently, making an informed decision based on research done about the candidates. Milestones like these are worth celebrating— way to go, John-Robert!