Whiz-Kid Cloe Kondrich
She may only be seven years old, but Chloe Kondrich has a resumé more impressive than most adults. She’s met Sen. John McCain and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, had a press conference with former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell and has been on the floor of the senate.
She’s graced the cover of magazines and the book "Making a Case for Life," played baseball with former Pittsburgh Pirate Andy LaRoche and her smile has even lit up Times Square in New York City.
Chloe’s charmed life is the result of her parents’ belief that she can do everything any other child does. In fact, from the minute she was born, her parents Kurt and Margie decided that Down syndrome is only something their beautiful daughter has: it’s not who she is.
“She’s Chloe. She’s bigger than Down syndrome. We’re so used to it, that it’s not important to us anymore,” Kurt said.
Spend some time with Chloe and you realize her parents are right. She’s a typical seven year old girl. She can be shy one minute and hug you the next. She loves eating spaghetti and going to the beach, and idolizes her older brother, Nolan.
Chloe is also exceptional in many ways. She learned to read at age three, and her reading is on par with her classmates at Eisenhower Elementary. She has a maturity beyond her years and can talk to just about anyone, no matter their age. And unlike most of us, Chloe’s childlike innocence and wonder can never be corrupted.
Kurt and Margie did not know their second child would be born with 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46, but they were smitten with their daughter from day one. In fact, Kurt refused to let anyone into the hospital room who was not there to celebrate the little bundle of joy.
Baby Chloe was only four weeks old when Margie began taking her to therapies.
“It was a lot of work. But I knew I had to find the best people to get her the best help or I’d live with regret,” Margie said.
*To read the entire article please click on the link here.
Become a FAN and Learn more about Chloe and her life by reading her BLOG, visit her at: www.chloesmessage.blogspot.com
Inclusive education for students with Down syndrome has to be a collaborative process with all involved in education!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Whiz-Kid Cloe Kondrich
Labels:
Cloe Kondrich,
Down syndrome,
Down syndrome adoption,
DS Adocate,
Inclusion,
Mainstream,
Mariah Harris,
PODS Angels,
Whiz Kid Cloe
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
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