The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WITH its fourth annual Miracle Treat Day, Dairy Queen turns its attention to those with special needs in the Bahamas who are seldom in the spotlight - children with Down syndrome .

On this year's Miracle Treat Day, scheduled for July 27, patrons of Dairy Queen will be able to treat their sweet tooth and support a worthy cause at the same. Two dollars from every Blizzard sold will help families affected by Down syndrome.

Benefitting organisations include three non-profits dedicated to bettering the lives of those with Down syndrome, including the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre, Stapledon School and the Hopedale Centre.

The Miracle Treat Day is fast becoming a staple on the Bahamian social calendar for summer. Dairy Queen began celebrating Miracle Treat Day in 2014 and has since raised more than $23,000 for families affected by cancer, diabetes and autism.

This year, with the public's support, the ice cream franchise aims to raise $12,000 for those affected by Down syndrome.

"Miracle Treat Day celebrates life and hope, and enables all of us to come together and make miracles for children and families who need it most," said Dairy Queen's Derek Osborne.

The Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre provides a safe haven for both children and adults with Down syndrome. The non-profit relies on the support of the community to help with its overhead expenses.

The centre's founder and president, Cheryl Johnson-Newell, explained that those who are affected by Down syndrome require a great deal of help and support.

"We are so grateful to Dairy Queen for their generosity in raising funds for our centre and also bringing awareness to our community. This not only allows the public to play a part, but also makes them aware that there is a centre that assists persons born with Down syndrome here in the Bahamas," she said.

There are a multitude of challenges those affected by Down syndrome face. For instance, Mrs Johnson-Newell said some of the children are born with holes in their hearts and require open heart surgery.

She is proud that her organisation is a support system for parents who do not what to do or where to turn in the face of these difficulties.

"For many years persons born with Down syndrome were kept at home and sometimes hidden. Doctors would tell parents to just love them and keep them clean. They would never amount to anything. Today, we are learning that most of our children born with Down syndrome are capable of doing what most people can do. It just takes them a little longer to learn, but once they learn something they never forget it. We are seeing more people employing persons with disabilities, but we as Bahamians have a long way to go. We as a community have to care and help support businesses and entities that give and support these children. It is how we succeed," she told Tribune Health.

At the centre, programmes are designed to meet the specific needs of all. The centre was officially opened in September 2011 and provides a special learning space for younger children. There are two classrooms, an art and music room, a library, and a fully equipped kitchen.

In January 2012, the centre launched its Saturday programmes, including as basketball, soccer, horseback riding, art and cooking classes.

"Our centre will be opening a coffee shop/deli, juice bar and car wash for all of our adults to work. This will be the first of it's kind in the Bahamas. We will need the support of our Bahamian community to make this work and to help our special needs community to see that they are accepted and have self-worth.

"It is imperative that we learn to embrace all children and adults born with challenges in order to be a better Bahamas. By coming out and supporting this special day will not only show us that you care, but will make you understand the importance of what you are doing. It takes a community to raise a child and special people to understand the importance of giving back," said Mrs Johnson-Newell.