Down Syndrome Awareness Month Archives - Bear Paw Creek

I am Part of a Community of Music Therapists – What’s Your Superpower?

Madison Stephens — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:00:48 +0000

I am Part of a Community of Music Therapists - What’s Your Superpower?

Hey! I’m Patina - Patina Joy, actually! I’ve been a music therapist working with kids, teens and young adults with a variety of beautiful special needs since 2011! Whether in public schools, home health, or private practice, I have fallen in love with the kids, families and staff I have had the privilege of serving.

If you pop in on a session, you might find us egg-shaking, parachute-moving or puppet-playing! We commonly use instruments, props (like parachutes, Bear Paw Creek stretchy bands, scarves or puppets!), singable books, and visual supports (printed materials to support matching, identifying or songwriting, for instance).

It may look like a party to you since we’re having so much fun, but you wouldn’t believe everything that’s happening under the surface! We’re commonly working on educational goals in the schools, but you’ll quickly see that we’re also addressing communication, social interaction, movement, functional skills, self-regulation and expressing our emotions - all through musical play!

Creating a Music Therapy Business

Sound like a dream job? It TOTALLY IS! But, as a profession that’s striving to grow in recognition, music therapy can also be a lonely business.

You might be the only one in your company or clinic or school district. You might be the only one in your COUNTY or one of only a few in your state. I noticed peers burning out. Giving all of themselves until there was no more to give. The desire to help others often also comes with an intrinsic pressure to provide excellent services day in and day out.

By the time these music therapists provided dozens of sessions and submitted the necessary data and reports, there was no time left to plan for the next round of sessions. So planning happened after work, or after dinner, or on the weekends.

I knew I could share what I had learned, and what mentors had so graciously shared with me, to support music therapists who felt this way and to help prevent burnout of a profession that is so desperately needed! That’s when I created Music Therapy Joy!

I Am Part of a Community of Music Therapists - What's Your Superpower? Written by: Patina Jackson MT-BC Share on X

Music Therapy Community

Through Music Therapy Joy I have the privilege of sharing songs, strategy ideas, visuals, and forms so music therapists don’t have to start from scratch or plan sessions over dinner! In the Music Therapy Joy Community, music therapists not only have access to ALL of the hundreds of resources I’ve created, but we also have monthly community calls where we learn, share our struggles, encourage and inspire one another (not to mention receive 15 CMTEs/year!)!

ALONE, the fun may fizzle and the days may feel long, but TOGETHER we can make a difference and keep the fire burning for us and for the unique and valued kids and teens we serve! They are worth it, and so are we!

Thinking about hiring a music therapist? You should! Visit www.cbmt.org to find a Board-Certified Music Therapist in your area! Are you a music therapist looking for support? Check us out at www.musictherapyjoy.com!

I am part of a music therapy community. What’s your superpower?

Patina Jackson MT-BC

Patina lives in the Dallas area with her husband and three wild and wonderful kiddos! She loves Jesus, singing her heart out, dance parties and house DIYs!

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Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Joy Racicot — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 21:25:41 +0000

Music and Movement Win for Down Syndrome Awareness!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the custom here at Bear Paw Creek is to donate 10% of all sales in October to a Down syndrome-related cause!

This year we are excited to introduce you to the Egan Family!

Did you know that approximately half of all infants born with Down syndrome have a heart defect? Having a heart surgery at any age is a scary experience for any parent! These “heart warrior” parents are strong beyond imagination!

Little Gwendolyn is 9 months old and already has 2 open heart surgeries under her belt, with another one looming in the not too distant future. You will find her laughing and smiling and enjoying each moment of every day though!

Featuring a Tiny Warrior with Down Syndrome

The Egan’s 9-month-old daughter, Gwendolyn might struggle to weigh in at 10 pounds but her smile, strength, and determination are mighty! Gwendolyn Egan is an overcomer that will inspire you.

Little Gwendolyn has had 2 heart surgeries already and her Doctors are trying to buy her as much time as possible so she can grow stronger before her next surgery, which will require the whole family to go to Boston for a more specialized medical team. Little Gwen has been at home healing after the 2 surgeries where she ended up spending two months in the hospital!

What’s the best part of being back at home?

The best part is how well she slept her first night back in her own crib. In the hospital, she was waking up regularly between 3am and 7am to fuss. But last night, she slept mostly without a peep and didn’t even wake up until 8am! I didn’t even realize, until last night, how deeply impacted her rest and development must have been by the constant noise and interruptions in her hospital room, even at night.

Says her mom, Jessica

Most of us can only imagine having our child in the hospital for two months at a time. From the emotional roller-coaster of fear, worry, and then elation at the smallest bit of progress; to the sleepless nights and obstacles of meeting everyday living needs. The hurdles of everyday living are frequent, cumbersome, and draining.

Hard doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Think about it. Almost any parent who gets a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their little one goes through a torrential flood of scary feelings.

Most of us would describe it as a very dark time. It is not the future we had planned for our little one and many times we don’t know the possibilities or joys that a person with this diagnosis will have. Dealing with health issues in so short a time span could be crippling! However, time and time again I see strength, determination, and joyfulness displayed in these amazing families!

Some of the health concerns for people with Down syndrome are:

Heart defects (47% of all babies with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect)
Leukemia (10 to 20 fold risk)
Thyroid (Thyroid disorders are more prevalent among individuals with Down syndrome)
Hearing (Up to 80% of children with Down syndrome experience hearing loss, sometimes severe)
Vision (People with Down syndrome are more likely to experience vision disorders such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism)
Sleep Problems (Studies have reported a high incidence of sleep disturbance among children and adolescents with Down syndrome)

Likewise, the Egans show amazing strength and their giving spirit is inspiring! On any given day you will see them pointing to other’s need and trying to help those around them! Jessica is always focused on the positive and her Instagram page about Gwendolyn is always a bright, cheery spot! She chooses to highlight Gwen’s strength and determination and the everyday blessings of life along with celebrating BIG each tiny victory!

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, 10% of all proceeds for Bear Paw Creek will be donated to this Tiniest Warrior! Share on X

Movement Props for Down Syndrome Awareness

Bear Paw Creek has been a friend and advocate for the Down syndrome community for a long time and each year they choose a group or individual cause to highlight. This year they have chosen The Egan Family because of Gwen’s bright determination and strength.

Because of Gwendolyn’s surmounting medical bills and the financial hardship of having to go so far for surgery and extended hospital stays Bear Paw Creek would like to do a small part to help out!

We are excited to announce that 10% of all Bear Paw Creeks profits for the month of October will go toward the Egan family in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month

What Can YOU Do for Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

#1 Just go ahead and make your purchases as usual! Treat your little one to some Bean Bags Scarves or Streamers! If you are a teacher or coop leader now is the time to purchase that Stretchy Band you’ve been eyeing! Then go about your life knowing 10% of that purchase went to this sweet, tiny warrior. Really, it’s that simple. We’ve got your back!

#2 Keep an eye out on Bear Paw Creek’s Instagram account for an Awesome Giveaway!

#3 Follow Our Sweet Gwendolyn on Instagram for more inspiration and an overload of cuteness!

#4 Share with your friends!

#5 Visit Jessica’s Website Our Sweet Gwendolyn to connect further

Joy Racicot

Joy is a mom of 6 (ages 5-26) who has a passion for encouraging moms! With three already grown up, married and having families of their own, three still at home, 2 kids with Down syndrome, and having been through a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in a teen she has definitely been through some ups and downs. However, she believes that each mom is divinely appointed and equipped to raise her particular kid(s) better than anyone else in the world no matter how it may feel on any particular day! She wants to inspire Your Mom heart as well as making the more practical aspects of running a household a tad easier over at JoyOnThisMomJourney.com.

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October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Big Giveaway, 15% Sales Donation

Janet Stephens — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 10:45:15 +0000

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Big Giveaway, 15% Sales Donation

In honor and remembrance of my nephew, Brandon Nelson, I have been inspired to support Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

For the month of October, Bear Paw Creek will be running a big giveaway and also donating 15% of sales to a local group, Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks.

There will also be a two part blog post about Down Syndrome and celebrating worth.

The Year My Parents Added Three More Grandchildren

The year 2002 was a year of booming growth in our family. This is the year that my brother and his wife, my sister and her husband, and my husband and I were expecting new additions. Since there are only three of us siblings, my parents were being blessed with adding three grandchildren to their growing family tree!

This was our second child, and my brother and sister’s first! Our daughter, Madison, was born first in April, with our nephew Brandon being born in August, and our niece Sammie arriving in October.

I can still remember the day my brother called to tell me that they had found out their little one would have Down Syndrome. We soon found out that he would also have issues with his heart. Heart defects and disease is more common in children with Down Syndrome; here this article states that their risk is between 40-60.

So my nephew was scheduled to have a life saving heart operation shortly after birth, and more down the road. After Brandon was born and before our niece Sammie was born, I was able to head to Wisconsin to visit family with our two oldest children. My oldest was 4 at the time, and baby was 5 months old. I am so glad I was able to meet Brandon in person and hold him. Back then we didn’t have digital cameras, or phones with cameras in them, so I do wish we had more pictures from that trip. In the bottom left corner, our oldest son is holding Brandon with me assisting.

When I left Wisconsin, my sister was end of pregnancy huge! I was hoping baby would come early so I could be there, but our niece had her own idea on when she’d arrive. Sammie was born a few weeks after I arrived back home in Missouri.

I sure wish we could have had pictures of the three cousins born in 2002 together, because 2003 brought sad times. Shortly after marking his five month birthday, Brandon’s little heart couldn’t keep up and he went to be in Heaven.

When I saw a few months ago that October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I thought of Brandon, I thought of our neighbors with George, and another family that has two children with Down Syndrome. What started out as wanting to give back to the community with another sale donation has grown.

Bear Paw Creek to Support Down Syndrome Awareness Month: BIG giveaway, 15% sales donated Share on X

Big Giveaway, Featured Posts, 15% Sales Donation

For the month of October we will be running a month long giveaway. It’s a big one! It will include: two connect-a-stretchy bands, balloon ball, bean bags, drawstring bags, and streamers of your choice. MSRP: $145.00

We will also be giving 15% of our sales for the month of October to a local group, called Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks.

Founded in 2006, the DSGO is an organization made up of a committed group of parents, professionals and other interested parties dedicated to creating an extensive network of support for individuals with Down syndrome and those who love and serve them in Southwest Missouri.

It is our goal to become the leading resource of Down syndrome information for new and expectant parents, students, healthcare professionals, educators and all Southwest Missouri citizens.

Our mission is to help individuals with Down syndrome become successful by providing support and education to loving families. We also are striving to bring awareness to early intervention services, promote inclusive education, highlight appropriate medical services, encourage quality employment opportunities and advocate for community awareness and acceptance.

We invite you to explore all that we offer and to join us in advancing the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

Janet Stephens

Janet is the founder, designer, and one of the seamstresses behind Bear Paw Creek's made in the USA line of creative movement props, and bags. She is passionate about her faith, family, and loves the journey of learning and growing this life provides.

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