By Cindy Christy Fertsch
Three year old Mateo has a smile that can light up any room. When I met him in his home last week in Atlantic City, he was a joyful little boy who was very loving and interactive with both his parents, Chris Filiciello and Lorena Chicas and his baby brother, Miguel. He even showed off a little, identifying letters of the alphabet and numbers that were very advanced for his age. Mateo is clearly the apple of his parents’ eyes. When they talk about him you can see them light up as well. Mateo also happens to have Down syndrome.
“When we were told of the possibility of him having Down syndrome during our pregnancy, it was definitely a shock. But we knew Mateo would be loved no matter what,” shares Lorena. “We refused to have an amniocentesis because it was not going to make a difference. We were having our baby no matter what. In the days that followed I felt God was talking to me and reassuring me that everything would be ok. He gave me peace, clarity and allowed me to see that Mateo was chosen specifically for us.”
Chris and Lorena want to bring awareness to all that having a child with Down syndrome is NOT a tragedy. “It is definitely a road less traveled but oh so worth it. We would not change Mateo at all.”
As part of Chris and Lorena’s mission to celebrate their child for exactly who he is and to help foster a world of greater possibilities for all those with Down syndrome, they are running from New York City to Washington DC on World Down syndrome Day, 3-21.
The National Down syndrome Society (NDSS), the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, named Chris and Lorena as two of the 2020 Run for 3.21 athletes. The run, which covers 250+ miles from New York City to Washington, D.C., will serve as a major fundraiser for NDSS in recognition of World Down syndrome Day (WDSD) on March 21.
This multi-day adventure kicks off at the United Nations in New York City at 6:00 a.m. on March 19 and ends the morning of March 21, on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Along the way, the run will pass through New York, Princeton, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wilmington and into the heart of Washington D.C. After running relay style for 48 hours, the athletes finish together in support and celebration of WDSD and all individuals with Down syndrome.
Each athlete fundraises for the National Down syndrome Society. Mateo is hosting his first Dance-a-thon Wednesday, March 11th at Our Lady of the Sea school in Atlantic City 6-8 pm.
Why a Dance-a-thon you may wonder. “Mateo absolutely loves dancing. If you play a music beat, his face lights up and he starts moving no matter what! We wanted to share this dancing experience with everyone!” explains Chris. It is one more way in which Mateo displays his exuberance for life. Mateo would like to invite you to be on his Dream Team in fundraising for the National Down syndrome Society. It is $25 per person with all proceeds going to NDSS and it will be deejayed by the WIBG radio host, Ken Schaeffer.
If you would like more information or to donate to Mateo’s Dream Team please visit https://www.classy.org/team/269649
