Tag:

Down Syndrome

Healthcare Worker Convicted Of Neglecting Vulnerable Man Who Jumped Out Maryland Window Healthcare Worker Convicted Of Neglecting Vulnerable Man Who Jumped Out Maryland Window
Healthcare Worker Convicted Of Neglecting Vulnerable Man Who Jumped Out Maryland Window A 49-year-old home healthcare worker that failed to check in on his patient, who was found injured after jumping out of a Frederick County apartment building will spend time behind bars, the state's attorney's office announced. Emmanuel Olaeken Owoyeye was ordered by a judge to spend 12 months in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center with another nine years suspended for neglecting a vulnerable adult. In August last year, a resident was walking his dog when he spotted a man on the ground, and it was later determined that the 55-year-old victim was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, as well…
Nurse Mom's Neglect Kills Developmentally Disabled Daughter At Capital Region Home, DA Says Nurse Mom's Neglect Kills Developmentally Disabled Daughter At Capital Region Home, DA Says
Nurse Mom's Neglect Kills Developmentally Disabled Daughter At Capital Region Home, DA Says Nearly a year after a developmentally disabled woman was found dead and wrapped in plastic in a home in the region, her mother has been arrested. Schenectady County residents Amber Geier and her boyfriend Rickey Loika were arrested Thursday, April 18, in the death of Geier’s 24-year-old daughter Skylar Pettit. The young woman, who had Down syndrome and diabetes, was found dead inside her Rotterdam residence on July 31, 2023 following a welfare check requested by her school. Investigators determined that she had been dead for months. “At first both of these people assured police that Skylar…
Superheroes, First Responders Deliver Custom-Built 'Batmobile' To Student In Western Mass Superheroes, First Responders Deliver Custom-Built 'Batmobile' To Student In Western Mass
Superheroes, First Responders Deliver Custom-Built 'Batmobile' To Student In Western Mass Criminals of Springfield, beware! Batman's new Batmobile will strike fear in the hearts of any ne'er-do-well, but how it came to be will soften the heart of even the toughest supervillain.  Benjamin Brunson, a second-grader at Rebecca M Johnson School in Springfield, on Thursday, April 13, climbed into the driver's seat of his custom-built accessibility tricycle decked out in all of the best Batman kit a boy could want.  The trike was a gift from Bob "the bike man" Charland, an honorary deputy with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department. The Bike Man even called in a few favors from his s…
Superstar With Down Syndrome Joins Baltimore Ravens At Christmas Eve Game Superstar With Down Syndrome Joins Baltimore Ravens At Christmas Eve Game
Superstar With Down Syndrome Joins Baltimore Ravens At Christmas Eve Game A lucky Special Olympian's holiday season will be even more joyous after being invited to join the Baltimore Ravens on the field after being selected by students at Loyola University. Stormie Zanfordino, 16, is a Brandywine Special Olympian with Down Syndrome. Stormie loves all sports, but especially football, the Baltimore Ravens, and his favorite player, Lamar Jackson, according to Dream On 3. Stormie was chosen by Loyola students as the recipient of the sports "Dream Experience", which is a part of a program linked to national nonprofit, Dream On 3. The organization makes sports dre…
Viral TikTok Shows Mass Barista With Down Syndrome Getting First Paycheck Viral TikTok Shows Mass Barista With Down Syndrome Getting First Paycheck
Viral TikTok Shows Mass Barista With Down Syndrome Getting First Paycheck Everyone remembers the feeling of getting paid for the first time. The rush that hits when you get handed that slip of paper is unlike any other feeling.  Well, one barista at a coffee shop in Massachusetts has gone viral on TikTok for his unforgettable reaction to his first ever paycheck.  Joe Sullivan works at the Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Melrose. The chain, which has locations across the country, employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Bitty & Beau's was founded by husband and wife Amy and Ben Wright whose children, for which the chain is named after, …
North Jersey Native Captures Hearts On Hit Netflix Dating Show North Jersey Native Captures Hearts On Hit Netflix Dating Show
North Jersey Native Captures Hearts On Hit Netflix Dating Show People all over the world are falling in love with Rachel Osterbach, a North Jersey native featured on hit Netflix show "Love on the Spectrum." In its third season and first in America, LOTS follows adults on the Autism spectrum on a quest to find love. WARNING: This story contains spoilers. Rachel, who grew up in Bergenfield before moving to Los Angeles, has Down Syndrome and made her TV debut on A&E's "Born This Way." The sweet, 39-year-old redhead dates LOTS cast member Subodh. Together, they share a meal and fly a kite before Rachel meets Subodh's parents — wearing a dress covered…
Tears Flow For NJ Mom, Non-Profit Founder Who Fought Fiercely For Kids With Disabilities Tears Flow For NJ Mom, Non-Profit Founder Who Fought Fiercely For Kids With Disabilities
Tears Flow For NJ Mom, Non-Profit Founder Who Fought Fiercely For Kids With Disabilities North Jersey single mom Joanne Bastante-Howard worked tirelessly for years to help provide critical resources for kids who, like her young son, John, have Down syndrome. Bastante-Howard, a former advertising and marketing whirlwind, was personally responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help obtain critical medical, education and therapeutic services for those in need through the non-profit she founded, America's Special Kidz (A.S.K.). Parents of children with a wide range of circumstances -- including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and mitochondrial disease…
Cancer-Fighting Police Departments Unite For Stricken North Jersey Mom, Young Son Cancer-Fighting Police Departments Unite For Stricken North Jersey Mom, Young Son
Cancer-Fighting Police Departments Unite For Stricken North Jersey Mom, Young Son North Jersey single mom Joanne Bastante-Howard has worked tirelessly for years to help provide critical resources for kids who, like her young son, have Down syndrome. Bastante-Howard, a former advertising and marketing whirlwind, is personally responsible for raising more than $100,000 to help obtain critical medical, education and therapeutic services for those in need through the non-profit she founded, America's Special Kidz (A.S.K.). Parents of children with a wide range of circumstances -- including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and mitochondrial disease -- have turned t…
Cancer-Fighting Local Bergen Police Departments Unite For Stricken Mom, Young Son Cancer-Fighting Local Bergen Police Departments Unite For Stricken Mom, Young Son
Cancer-Fighting Local Bergen Police Departments Unite For Stricken Mom, Young Son North Jersey single mom Joanne Bastante-Howard has worked tirelessly for years to help provide critical resources for kids who, like her young son, have Down syndrome. Bastante-Howard, a former advertising and marketing whirlwind, is personally responsible for raising more than $100,000 to help obtain critical medical, education and therapeutic services for those in need through the non-profit she founded, America's Special Kidz (A.S.K.). Parents of children with a wide range of circumstances -- including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and mitochondrial disease -- have turned t…
COVID-19: Study Reveals Who's Most At Risk For Breakthrough Infections COVID-19: Study Reveals Who's Most At Risk For Breakthrough Infections
Covid-19: Study Reveals Who's Most At Risk For Breakthrough Infections Researchers have identified groups of vaccinated people who may be the most at risk for suffering severe outcomes from COVID-19 breakthrough infections. According to a report from Medical News Today, the study looked at more than 6 million people who have received one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom.  One of the paper's co-authors, Dr. Aziz Sheikh, said only a small number of the more than 5 million people who received two vaccine doses remained at risk for COVID-19 hospitalization and death after being vaccinated. "We saw relatively few deaths in individuals wh…
MontCo Man Charged With Murder, Neglect In Death Of Brother, 52, Who Had Down Syndrome MontCo Man Charged With Murder, Neglect In Death Of Brother, 52, Who Had Down Syndrome
MontCo Man Charged With Murder, Neglect In Death Of Brother, 52, Who Had Down Syndrome A 71-year-old Abington man has been charged with third-degree murder and neglect in connection with his 52-year-old brother's death, authorities announced Thursday. Harry Gramlich had been living at 250 Edge Hill Road with his brother, Timothy Gramlich and their sister,  Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy said. Officers were called to the brothers' home on Oct. 18, 2020 around 2:30 p.m., where Harry identified himself as his younger brother's sole caretaker, and told police he was dead in a second-floor bedroom. There,…
COVID-19: People Age 65 Can Get Vaccinated Tomorrow - MA Expands Innoculation Eligibility COVID-19: People Age 65 Can Get Vaccinated Tomorrow - MA Expands Innoculation Eligibility
Covid-19: People Age 65 Can Get Vaccinated Tomorrow - MA Expands Innoculation Eligibility Gov. Baker has just lowered the age at which a Massachusetts resident can get a COVID-19 vaccination to 65 years old starting tomorrow. Previously, a Massachusetts resident had to be at least 75 years old to get a vaccination based solely on age in the current phase (phase 2) of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout. On Wednesday, Feb. 16, Baker expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility by age as well as a medical condition. Now, people with two or more certain medical conditions - including Asthma - can get the vaccine, too. The new eligibility requirements go into effect Thursday, Feb. 1…
Kearny Man With Love Of Birthdays Dies Of Coronavirus On His 30th, Days After Mom Kearny Man With Love Of Birthdays Dies Of Coronavirus On His 30th, Days After Mom
Kearny Man With Love Of Birthdays Dies Of Coronavirus On His 30th, Days After Mom A Kearny man with a love of birthdays died of coronavirus on his 30th -- nine days after the virus took his mom. Thomas Martins, who had Down syndrome, died of the virus on April 6. His mom, Carolyn Martins-Reitz -- a graphic designer for the Archdiocese of Newark -- passed away March 28 at Clara Maas Medical Center. Surviving them are Reitz' husband and Martins step-dad Rudy Reitz, who mourns alone with his daughter -- Martins' half-sister -- Sharon Reitz. Carolyn and Thomas, born in Belleville, were "each other's whole word," Rudy told BuzzFeed News. The doting mom made sure her son was…
'Lifesaver' Helps Bergen Sheriff's Officers Find Missing Teaneck Man, 70, With Dementia 'Lifesaver' Helps Bergen Sheriff's Officers Find Missing Teaneck Man, 70, With Dementia
'Lifesaver' Helps Bergen Sheriff's Officers Find Missing Teaneck Man, 70, With Dementia A 70-year-old Teaneck man with dementia who wandered from home was found by Bergen County sheriff's officers thanks to a Project Lifesaver wristband transmitter. BCSO Officers Patrick Doyle and Joseph LaBarbera found the man about a mile from home Tuesday night, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton said. “Utilizing the technology from Project Lifesaver, our responding officers were able to quickly track, locate, and return the missing individual to his home," Cureton said. The rapid-response Project Lifesaver International program is designed to locate adults and children who have gone mi…
Girl With Down Syndrome Repeatedly Bitten At Elizabeth School Girl With Down Syndrome Repeatedly Bitten At Elizabeth School
Girl With Down Syndrome Repeatedly Bitten At Elizabeth School The family of a nonverbal eight-year-old girl is demanding answers after she was bitten by another student in her special needs classroom in Elizabeth.  Emily, who has Down syndrome, suffered six bites while attending class at School 22 Thursday.  School officials say another special needs student bit Emily, adding that the first day of school is often disorienting for children with special needs.  Superintendent of Schools Olga Hugelmeyer issued a statement after video of the child was posted to social media. Hulgelmeyer's statement appears in full after the social media post.   “A third…
Chatham Family's Son With Special Needs Inspires New Downtown Restaurant Chatham Family's Son With Special Needs Inspires New Downtown Restaurant
Chatham Family's Son With Special Needs Inspires New Downtown Restaurant A Chatham family held the grand opening for their new restaurant on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Sorriso Kitchen on Main Street offers breakfast, lunch and more -- including a full day of training for members of the special needs community. More than $31,000 had been raised on a Kickstarter campaign to help the Bellas family open its restaurant. "Sorriso means 'smile' in Italian and is the name of our new breakfast and lunch eatery inspired by our son, LJ who has Down Syndrome and brings a smile to everyone he meets," the family wrote. Bellas familyFacebook Bellas BrothersSorriso Kitchen "O…
Having Down Syndrome Gives Hackensack Karate Black Belt Greater Purpose Having Down Syndrome Gives Hackensack Karate Black Belt Greater Purpose
Having Down Syndrome Gives Hackensack Karate Black Belt Greater Purpose Almost everyone at Retro Fitness of Hackensack seems to know Alex Rivera. The 37-year-old is rarely without a red Gatorade and look of determination on his face. He's got a black belt in karate, too, and isn't afraid to tell you that's why he's at the gym -- training to become a better fighter. He's affable. Social. Hardworking. Oh yeah, and he has Down Syndrome.  Alex has never let his disability hold him back nor define him. Instead, he's using it to get further and help others do the same. "I'm a role model," he said proudly after a routine training session last Thursday. …
Paramus Police Program Could Make Difference For Disabled Residents Paramus Police Program Could Make Difference For Disabled Residents
Paramus Police Program Could Make Difference For Disabled Residents The Paramus Police Department is rolling out a program to help locate missing people with disabilities more efficiently. The Resident Identification Program is for community members of all ages with autism, Down syndrome, Alzheimer's or other conditions that might make it difficult to communicate with police officers. Officers will gather information from residents either at their house or at the police station, to be held in a secure database that police can access during emergency situations. "Having immediate access to important information about at-risk people in the community cou…
Scientists Continue Hunt For Improved Diagnosis And Treatment Of Epilepsy Scientists Continue Hunt For Improved Diagnosis And Treatment Of Epilepsy
Scientists Continue Hunt For Improved Diagnosis And Treatment Of Epilepsy PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- The first known reports of epilepsy, which is characterized by seizures due to intense electrical activity in the brain, appeared in Assyrian writings around 2000 B.C. Ancient Greek medical texts reference the first neurosurgical procedure as being performed to quiet brain seizures. Mythological tales of demonic possession and lycanthropy – people convulsing into werewolves in the full moon’s light – are partially rooted in what was then a lack of understanding of brain disorders like schizophrenia and epilepsy. Epilepsy often leaves its victims in convulsions, foamin…