Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/545673
SUMMER2015 DOWN SYNDROME WORLD 22 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 On the Catwalk The Global Down Syndrome Foundation's annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala and Fashion Show features models with Down syndrome who walk the runway alongside politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and professional athletes. Beverly Johnson and her niece, Natalie Fuller, are longtime participants. "I remember the first time Natalie and I were in the fashion show," Johnson said. "Natalie was nervous and so was I, and we decided we were going to hold hands as we walked the runway. We walked down holding hands, and then I think she got her confidence up, because she signaled to me that she didn't need to hold my hand walking back. Ever since that very first time — and Natalie Down syndrome. I started my career as part of a diversity movement. The world I see today embraces not only diversity but inclusion for all." As an international spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Johnson continues to combat discrimination — specifically the fact that in the U.S., Down syndrome receives less research funding than any other genetic condition. She also works to educate decision makers about what appears to be a huge lifespan discrepancy between African-Americans with Down syndrome versus their Caucasian counterparts. "It would not take that much or too long to research whether there is in fact a discrepancy — and if there is, whether it is genetic, environmental, or both," Johnson said. "We need to organize and bring our case to Congress and the White House." During the last several years, Johnson has promoted an increase in funding for Down syndrome, using her celebrity to shine a spotlight on how research and improved care can ameliorate challenges children with Down syndrome face. "The Global Down Syndrome Foundation's focus on research and medical care is changing lives and saving lives. I am so proud and honored to be a part of that," Johnson said. "We need to remain on this journey, not only in research and discovery, but in making sure that people with Down syndrome have the best possible lives." In 2014, Johnson received the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's prestigious Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, given to public figures and self-advocates who have made a significant impact on the differently-abled, including those with Down syndrome. 'BEAUTY IS LOVE' Johnson became famous by changing society's preconceived notions of beauty, and now she's hoping to impress upon children and young adults with Down syndrome that they're beautiful, too. "I think we all are beautiful and that beauty is love and love is God, and that's just how it is," Johnson said. "Working with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation has been transforming. I've met people who can play seven instruments and who can speak several languages. These people are realizing their potential in life, and that's beautiful." has walked the runway four times now — I'm just there for help and support, because Natalie can work the runway all by herself." For Johnson, the importance of the event is to acknowledge the children and adults with Down syndrome and to make sure they can see for themselves they are beautiful. "It's been amazing to see everyone — the self-advocates, their families, and the 1,200 other people in the audience — having a wonderful time," Johnson said. "It is the most inspiring event you'll ever attend." Johnson escor ts model John down the r unway Johnson with Quincy Jones Johnson and Brian Maillian