An Opportunity for AMEX cardholders

I don't have an American Express card, but for those that do - will you please take a moment for this worthy campaign?

Fifty community service proposals are in the running to receive $5 million in funding from AmEx. The current top runner is a Down syndrome awareness proposal initiated by the National Down Syndrome Congress, called "Awareness Can Build A Family." Voting is now underway to select the top 25 proposals; there will be two more rounds of voting, and the winning proposal will be announced on August 7.

Here's the Down syndrome proposal:

Awareness Can Build a Family

Yearly, thousands of women are tested to determine if the child they carry has Down syndrome. A positive answer often portrays a bleak future in which their child will impose terrible burdens and dreams die.

Many medical professionals have scant knowledge of Down syndrome and are unable to comfort or educate.

Their messages tag people with Down syndrome as having no value, implying there is no place for them in our world.

The tragic result: an astonishing 90% of pregnancies involving diagnosis of Down syndrome are terminated.

In fact, there is much to celebrate. Children with Down syndrome excel in school, participating in sports and graduating. As adults they live independent, rewarding lives. Ask a parent - you will hear of joy, fulfillment.

My Members Project, "Awareness Can Build a Family," would use public service television, ads, booklets and more to tell that people with Down syndrome are more like all of us than not and are of priceless value.

If you agree with all of that, please vote as soon as possible (you do have to be an AMEX member though) - the first round closes July 15, 2007 - and how fitting is that? That is Kayla's birthday!