October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month—a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome, recognize their accomplishments, and remember that inclusion begins when we see the person before the diagnosis.
At Take Heart Foundation, this message has a face, a smile, and a fierce determination: Christina.
Christina is the daughter of Take Heart Foundation founders Eric and Graceann Faulkner. More than being at the heart of their family’s journey, Christina is the inspiration behind Take Heart Foundation and the reason its mission is so deeply personal.
When her parents learned that their daughter would be born with Down syndrome, they faced the uncertainty that comes with any diagnosis—questions, fears, and the unknown.
But Christina had plans of her own.
What once felt like their biggest fear became one of their greatest blessings. Christina has spent her life showing them—and everyone around her—exactly why.
Meet Christina
Christina is smart, funny, lovable, and fierce. She is determined, joyful, and resilient. She keeps breaking barriers and exceeding expectations, surrounded by love, encouragement, opportunity, and people who believe in her.
One recent moment captures her spirit perfectly.
During a Hot Shots Basketball practice, Christina was matched against a taller teammate in a simple drill. Instead of backing down, she grinned, adjusted her stance, and drove past him for a layup—then turned around and high-fived the very player she had just beaten.
That combination of competitive fire, confidence, and pure joy is Christina.
Her parents couldn’t be prouder. Neither could Take Heart Foundation.
And in many ways, that moment captures why Take Heart exists: to give children of all abilities the opportunity to discover what they can do, experience the joy of competition, build friendships, and know they belong.
Awareness Is More Than a Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month is about more than understanding a diagnosis. It is about changing the way we see people—looking beyond assumptions and stereotypes to recognize each person’s personality, talents, dreams, accomplishments, and potential.
People with Down syndrome go to school, participate in sports, work, build relationships, contribute to their communities, and pursue meaningful dreams. October is an opportunity to celebrate those abilities while breaking down barriers through advocacy and inclusion.
That is the world Take Heart Foundation wants to help build: one where people aren’t defined by a diagnosis, differences aren’t something to fear, and children of all abilities have opportunities to Play. Belong. Thrive.
The Power of Inclusive Athletics
Play. Belong. Thrive. is more than a tagline. It is the foundation of Take Heart Foundation’s mission—and a mission inspired by Christina.
Through programs such as Hot Shots Basketball, Take Heart creates inclusive opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to enjoy athletics, build confidence, develop skills, and make meaningful connections.
Sometimes a basketball court becomes much more than a basketball court.
It becomes a place where a child discovers confidence, a friendship begins, a parent sees their child accomplish something unexpected, and a young person realizes:
I belong here.
Through play, children build skills and joy. Through belonging, they find connection and community. And with opportunity and encouragement, they thrive.
Christina has taught her family—and everyone fortunate enough to know her—that opportunity can change expectations, and expectations can change lives.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
There is a verse that captures the spirit of Christina’s story beautifully:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14
Christina is wonderfully made. So is every child who walks through the doors of Take Heart Foundation.
This October, we celebrate Christina and the countless individuals with Down syndrome who remind us that the things that make us different can also make us extraordinary.
We celebrate their accomplishments.
We champion their dreams.
We challenge barriers.
And we create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to play, belong, and thrive.
Awareness is a beginning.
Acceptance is a choice.
Inclusion is an action.
And belonging is something we can create together.
Celebrate With Us
Join Take Heart Foundation in celebrating individuals with Down syndrome—not just in October, but every day.
Learn more about our mission and how you can help create opportunities for children of all abilities to Play. Belong. Thrive.
Take Heart Foundation
www.thf1633.org
Christina, keep breaking barriers, showing the world what is possible, and being exactly who you were made to be.
We are so proud of you. 💙💛
#DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #TakeHeartFoundation #PlayBelongThrive #InclusionMatters #DownSyndrome
