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Local child’s photo selected for National Downs Syndrome Society’s Times Square 2020 video

Cruz Solorzano, 2, of Spokane was selected for National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square 2020 video. (Courtesy)
By Stephanie Hammett stephanieh@spokesman.com(509) 459-5013
Cruz Solorzano, 2, of Spokane was selected for National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square 2020 video. (Courtesy)

This year’s National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk fundraiser isn’t taking place in its usual form, but one aspect of the fundraiser will still move forward.

The organization’s annual video presentation showcasing “the gifts that people with Down Syndrome bring to their communities,” usually screened in Times Square to kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month, will stream worldwide on NDSS social media channels on Sept. 12.

Of more than 2,000 photo submissions, the NDSS selected 500 individuals and families across the country to feature in the video contest.

This year, Alicia Choate of Spokane secured a spot for her son Cruz Solorzano, 2. In the video, one photo of Cruz with his name and home state will appear.

“He is so joyful,” she said. “He makes it easy for me to be an advocate, to share knowledge with other new moms about Down Syndrome. He’s just the best thing ever.”

Born in Moses Lake, Cruz was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at 3 months, Choate said. Shortly after, the resulting health complications prompted Choate to move her family back to Spokane for necessary therapy.

“He’s thriving, nearly walking,” she said, expressing her gratitude for Joya Child & Family Development, where Cruz receives therapy. “The move was really worth it.”

“He truly is the happiest little guy, almost all the time.”

Choate explained that despite Cruz’s happy demeanor, strangers tend to be wary of engaging, fearing they might offend her.

“A lot of people have a hard time asking me questions or approaching me,” Choate said. “It’s OK to ask questions; it’s OK to talk to him in the store. It’s OK to be an advocate; it’s OK to not understand something and want to inquire.”

The goal of the NDSS fundraiser and video presentation is to “promote acceptance and inclusion,” the organization’s website reads.

“We wouldn’t change anything about him, not one single thing,” Choate said. “He is who he is, and he’s perfect the way he is.”

For information, visit ndss.org.