Guelph youngster hits the Times Square big screen for Down syndrome awareness

“Jamie is an instant celebrity,” said Guelph mom Vanessa Richard about her six-year-old son.

He has a big personality. “He is non-verbal but he can get his point across without needing any words,” said Richard.

Jamie, 6, has Down syndrome. His photo is set to light up on two Jumbotron screens in Times Square on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

The photo shows Jamie holding a baseball at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. A Toronto Blue Jays pitcher gave the baseball to the usher to give to Jamie before he headed on the field, said Richard.

The Richard family is headed to New York city tomorrow night. 

“And of course we wanted to see this live because it's just so much more of a bigger picture for Jamie so that he can better understand … the capacity of what's actually happening. And for him to just see himself and obviously he loves to see himself in pictures as most six-year-olds do,” said Richard.

She thinks it will be an exciting moment for Jamie.

He along with over 500 people with Down syndrome from the U.S. and 14 other countries will have their photos featured as part of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video. The society’s aim is to empower people with Down syndrome and their families.

The annual presentation had roughly 3,000 photo submissions. Those chosen were notified in July. The presentation will be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page.

“And we always say that meeting Jamie is to change your life for the better because he just has this way with people that he instantly brightens up your day and he changes the way you see things and he has just a joy for life,” said Richard. 

He loves to dance, run around and is full of energy. If he sees someone cry, he is the first person to try and console them. He cares a lot about his friends and family.

Along with his mom, dad Aaron and sister Etta the family will watch the presentation in-person and will participate in the 30th annual New York City Buddy Walk. Buddy Walks happen across the U.S. and in countries like Jamaica, Japan and Canada, an advocacy  event for those with Down syndrome.

This is the Richard's first family trip to New York City and the excitement is brewing for older sister Etta too.

“She's just such a wonderful big sister, and loves him so much so she is so excited to see him have this experience and for the family to go and experience this awesome, really cool journey,” said Richard.