HARRISBURG — In order to draw attention to Down syndrome, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the condition, Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, Tuesday recognized September as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania with House Resolution 999.

He was joined at an event in the Capitol rotunda by Eric Waksmunski, Down syndrome advocate; the Waksmunski children, Jesse, Wyatt and Shane; Josh Stranix, board member at the Arc of Pennsylvania; fourth-grade students from Mahoning Valley Elementary School; and other advocates and supporters. Both Shane and Wyatt have been diagnosed with Down syndrome.Heffley spoke about the impact of Waksmunski family on his understanding of Down syndrome and the many benefits of spending time with these wonderful people.“I’ve learned so much from my time with Eric and his family, and their presence in my life is truly a blessing. We need to do all we can to support the Down syndrome community, and today’s event is one small part of a large effort to make a difference for these folks,” Heffley said.Both Eric and Jesse Waksmunski told their stores to dozens of people in the Capitol Rotunda. Eric created the Shane and Wyatt Down Syndrome Foundation, which seeks to provide educational tools to children with Down syndrome, to enhance cognitive and communication skills, and to provide financial support to families when a child with Down syndrome is hospitalized for prolonged time periods.“The Down syndrome community has made great strides, as is evident here today. With early intervention, therapies, quality education and support from families and their communities, individuals with intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome can adapt and thrive,” said Eric Waksmunski.Jesse Waksmunski, a fourth-grade student at Mahoning Valley Elementary School, shared his perspective as an older brother of Shane and Wyatt. He offered remarks to his classmates and expressed gratitude for their support of his family, as well as the importance of understanding and accepting those with disabilities.“Shane and Wyatt are just like us, and we should treat them that way,” said Jesse. “It is really important to help those who need it, and to focus on our similarities instead of our differences.”Josh Stranix has Down syndrome and was first elected to the board of directors for the Arc of Pennsylvania in 2010. He frequents the Capitol and serves as an enthusiastic and committed advocate for those with intellectual disabilities.“As an advocate and Arc board member, I am honored to be part of today’s event. I love what I do and I couldn’t be more proud to support Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania,” said Josh.Approximately 400,000 people are living with Down syndrome in the United States. House Resolution 999 passed the House unanimously on Sept. 27.