Down Syndrome organization receives large donation

The Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect organization was given a large donation Thursday.

The Hilton Garden Inn in Idaho Falls donated $15,000 to the foundation in a check presentation ceremony. The money comes from funds raised during the “Friends Don’t Count Chromosomes” marathon back in August.

Organizers and families were there Thursday for the presentation and talked about what this donation means to them.

“You know for a first time event I think it was just a wonderful success,” says Jacob Murray, a parent of a child with Down Syndrome. “For us specifically it was just great to get out and meet some of the other families you know that are kinda going through some similar things as we are and just so we can start to make those connections and you know be there for one another.”

“Raising a child with disabilities is financially taxing of families more than people realize,” says Rochelle Larson, Founder of Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect. “So the money that we receive from foundations we hope to give relief to some families in the area. And since I have a child with Down Syndrome it means a lot to me do these things for other families.

Larson started the organization after her 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.