Hazlet Family Advocates for
Down Syndrome Rights — By Running 250 Miles
Did you know that individuals with
Down syndrome risk losing their
Social Security benets if they get
married?
Did you know that individuals
with Down syndrome are not eligible
for organ transplants in most states?
Hazlet resident Dori Newton
and her family know this all too well.
Dori and her husband, Jim, will be
participating in a relay-style 250+
mile run as a mission to make sure
as many people as possible are made
aware of and can advocate for the
rights of those with Down syndrome.
“The reason we are so passionate
about fundraising for the NDSS
National Down Syndrome Society
is because we want our daughter and
all individuals with Down syndrome
to have the same opportunities and rights as anyone without a disability.”
Dori, a make-up artist, and Jim, a graphic designer, currently live in
Hazlet with their two children, 8-year-old Theo and 10-year-old Isla who has
Down syndrome. Being active with their children is important to the Newtons.
They love spending time outside hiking, riding bikes and just incorporating
exercise where they can.
“We just want our children to know the importance of exercise and the
importance of ghting for what you believe in,” Dori said.
36 APRIL 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY MELISSA ACQUAVIVA
Running and exercising is nothing
new for the Newtons, as they are
both accomplished runners. Dori has
competed in numerous triathlons as
well as an Ironman competition.
“We originally got into running
because we wanted to lead a healthier
lifestyle and be better role models
for our children,” Dori said.
The National Down Syndrome
Society, the leading human rights
organization for all individuals with
Down syndrome, will host its third annual
Run for 3.21 on Saturday, Sept.
12. The run, which covers 250+ miles
from New York City to Washington,
D.C. will serve as a major fundraiser
for the NDSS.
This multi-day adventure kicks
off at the United Nations in New York
Dori and Jim Newton, with their children, Theo and Isla
City on Monday, Sept.12 and ends Monday, Sept. 14, 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 nish together
in support and celebration of all individuals with Down syndrome.
The NDSS provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive programming to all
individuals with Down syndrome and their families. To learn more about the
NDSS, visit NDSS.org.
Isla Newton cheering at a race Jim Newton and his children
/TheJournalNJ.com
/NDSS.org