About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation works to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome and their families.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation works to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome and their families.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy. Formally established in 2009, GLOBAL’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the United States committed solely to research and medical care for people with Down syndrome. Since Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition in the United States, fundraising and government advocacy to correct the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major goal.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation created and organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show – the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL organizes and funds many programs, conferences and grants, including Dare to Play Football Camp with Ed McCaffrey, Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Dare to Cheer Camp, and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants.

GLOBAL is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.

Read more about us.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Our goal is to significantly improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy. We work to educate governments, educational organizations and society in order to affect legislative and social changes so that every person with Down syndrome has an equitable chance at a satisfying life.

Read more about our mission, vision and values.

A Personal Glimpse Into the Foundation’s Establishment

Anna and John J. Sie

Anna and John J. Sie

Formally established by Anna and John J. Sie in 2009 in Denver, Colorado, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

When the Sies’ first granddaughter was born with Down syndrome, the family personally experienced many disturbing situations around the diagnosis, healthcare and education of their granddaughter. Prenatally, they were given incorrect information about the lifespan their granddaughter would have, and the genetic counseling was focused on termination and not educated choices.

Read more about the Foundation’s establishment.

 

 

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Logo

Our Logo

Our beautiful new design helps us emphasize the global nature of our work and our focus on research and medical care.

 

 

Careers

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation periodically posts exciting and rewarding opportunities to use your skills to further the mission of an exciting organization.

Read about current job openings.