Seeing Blue !

As some of you may know, I am a student at Texas Christian University and an advocate for disabilities. So naturally when I heard about the Autism Speaks U group on campus , I had to check them out. Autism Speaks U at TCU is the college segment for the Autism Speaks organization that promotes campus and local community awareness, advocacy and fundraising efforts to help individuals and families affected by Autism. On April 5 in honor of National Autism Awareness Day (The actually day, April 2, got rained out), the group painted a giant blue puzzle piece in the commons of TCU for the event Light It Up Blue. Then on April 7th they held an awareness race with fun games and a raffle. It was such a great weekend and I am very proud to say they raised $225.69 at the Light it Up Blue event and almost $3000 at the race! Way to go TCU! I feel so blessed to attend a school that not only is so welcoming to everyone, but feels as passionate as I do about inclusion and awareness !

March Madness !!!

The month of March has always been a special month in my family. My mom, grandmother, and several cousins celebrate their birthdays in March. And, if you are lucky enough to live in Texas, you know that March is Spring Break for students!  However, it wasn’t until my sister Simone was born that my family realized that the month of March would be special for a very different reason. If you are not aware, the month of March has the honor of being National Disability Awareness month and World Down Syndrome Day. Thanks to social media like facebook, twitter and instagram, the word is out and the level of accepting people for their “potential” rather than their “inability” is rising. I couldn’t be happier.

This month I would like to challenge you to embrace others differences. I promise that when you do, you will receive something more valuable than an open mind. You will gain a compassionate heart, new friendships that transcend prejudice, and you will fully understand what it means to be authentically accepted just as you are!

May I ask just one more thing? Please consider donating your resources (whether it’s financial or a few hours a month) to worthy organizations like Special Olympics, Down Syndrome’s Buddy Walk, Autism Speaks, or your local ARC chapter. They make it their mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for those with disabilities that otherwise would not exist.  It’s hard to believe that some of the most basic human rights still have to be fought for. 

I hope everyone had a great spring break and please check in frequently for blogs about appearances and updates on my journey to the Miss Texas International Pageant in April!

 

 

The Arc's national office participated in Lots Of Socks on March 21st, which is a fun way to raise awareness of World Down Syndrome Day!

Hello Everyone!
Since the last time you all have seen me, I have started attending Texas Christian University in pursuit of my Bachelors in Psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience, and now I am also excited to announce to you that I have come out of "Pageant Retirement" to compete in the 2013 Miss Texas International Pageant. I am representing my home town as the new Miss Fort Worth International! With this honor, I will be continuing my efforts with V.I.P. C.H.I.C. to educate and advocate on behalf of the special needs community. For those who are not aware of V.I.P. C.H.I.C., it is a fundraising initiative that raises awareness and funds for organisations that share my passion for those with special needs.
I appreciate everyone's support in my new endeavors and can't wait to start documenting my new reign ! Look back frequently for updates and please visit my website www.sydneydatcher.com for V.I.P. C.H.I.C. merchandise and ways you can help! Also, If you would like me to be apart of your event , please contact me through my website!

Love ,
Sydney Datcher
Miss Fort Worth International 2013

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Splash" Water Balloon Fight for Children's Cancer

Thank you to all of the "Splash" volunteers!

Me with Mike Stevens, event organizer

In the blistering 100 degree Texas summer heat, I always look forward to cooling off!  A day at the lake or a dip in our backyard pool usually do the trick. When I heard about a water balloon fight being held at Tarrant County Community College, I knew I had to check it out.  The 1^st Annual Water Balloon Fight was the brain child of Mike Stevens. His idea was to help raise money for children fighting cancer, by hosting the world’s largest water balloon fight.  I loved this idea so much, that I brought my whole family with me.  My family is very competitive, so I knew they wouldn’t say no to a chance to throw balloons at each other. Especially if it were for charity!  Let me say it was pretty fun throwing water balloons at my dad without getting in trouble! According to Guinness, the actual record for the biggest fight is 3927. Sadly, we didn’t break the world record that day, but we start a new tradition and had fun trying! All money raised was donated to Cook Children’ Hospital’s Oncology Department.  If you want to help children fighting cancer and want to participate in the next  balloon fight, check out www.balloonfight.org .  See you there!