Left St. John’s: June 27.2010
Arrived in Vancouver September 12.2010
Ocean to Ocean!
Inspiration
My cousin, Andrew, has Down Syndrome. As a child, he was just like any other. He cried when he fell, he laughed at cartoons and he made a mess when he ate. He had a loving family, just like any kid should.
Today, Andrew is 19 years old, but once upon a time, he was an energetic little boy with a mess of blond hair and a big smile. Being his older cousin and living most of my life living with his family or next-door, I spent a lot of time with Andrew and to this day, we are like brothers.
Andrew has been heavily involved with the Special Olympics. He competed in swimming and floor hockey. Today, he continues with bowling. He has received the Duke of Edinburgh Award three times for his community work and contributions. He recently raised $1100 for Shave for the Brave.
Growing up, I didn’t treat him as though he were any different, because to me he isn’t. He is my cousin, with or without Down Syndrome. I went to Christmas parties with him and played with him and his friends.
As I got older, I realized that despite my attitude, many people saw Andrew as different. Mostly, it was due to ignorance and the lack of education about down syndrome. I stood up for my cousin, just like I do for all my friends and anyone with down syndrome or other disability because they are the same on the inside as anyone on this Earth.
I believe education and funding is severely lacking for the Down Syndrome community. When thinking about something close to my heart, something I want to raise awareness for and support on this ride across the country, there was no second choice.
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is identified as Chromosome 21 Trisomy, which occurs due to an extra chromosome. It is associated with cognitive impairment and can be identified during pregnancy or at birth.
Down Syndrome appears in 1 in 800-1000 births. Proper education and care can significantly improve the quality of life of those with Down Syndrome. March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. October is Down Syndrome Month.
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society’s message is to ensure equitable opportunities for all Canadians with Down Syndrome. Those living with Down Syndrome have the right to the same opportunities as anyone else.
Each and every person living with Down Syndrome is as unique as anyone else in the world. We each learn at our own pace, excel at different things and pursue different goals. We all require different amounts and forms of attention, encouragement and education.
Our goal through Peace be the Journey, in conjunction with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, is to ensure that the public better understands Down Syndrome, what it means health-wise, education-wise and lifestyle-wise for people living with Down Syndrome and their family members.
About Me
My name is Casper Lja. I am originally from CBS and currently living in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In March of 2010, I decided I was not heading in the right direction or on the life path that I wanted to take. It was time for a change.
I had my doubts about the program I was doing in college. I had applied knowing very little about the program and I wanted to have more freedom and creativity in my life.
When I was a young boy, I loved riding my bike. I had a red bike with a basket on the front, streamers on the handles and noise makers on the spokes. Now living in town, I don’t own a car and I rely on my bike to get around. I had the dream of riding across the country for the past few years but something always got in the way. Not this time.
My initial plan was to go on vacation and discover Canada by riding my bike from Newfoundland to British Columbia,. There was a lot of the country that I have not seen and riding from the Atlantic ocean to the Pacific would let me see everything that this country has to offer. The idea grew into a soul searching adventure. I decided to start a national campaign to raise awareness and money for families living with Down Syndrome.
We are now working locally with the Newfoundland & Labrador Down Syndrome Society as well as well as with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and other branches across the country. The goal is to continue to raise money for local groups to help fund programs for the kids and spread awareness across Canada.
