Today in ‘Time of Our Lives’ we had the pleasure of speaking with Tia, mother to Manaia, who lives with Down syndrome.
This year, Tia is taking on the 10 km Bridge to Brisbane on Sunday 28 August, aiming to raise funds and awareness of people with Down syndrome. With last year being her first time acting as a fundraiser for this event, Tia says her main motivation is to make her daughter proud.
Since participating for the first time in 2021 Tia says she is mainly looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm that comes from being at such a great event. She is also hoping to beat her fundraising total from last year!
With two children, Tia’s family keeps her more than active. After involving herself when Manaia was born, Tia says that Down Syndrome Queensland is “a great organisation,” and she highly recommends making use of the websites and learning opportunities available. Tia believes that the benefits of DSQ for the community are huge, whether that be for an individual with Down syndrome or their families. She also says the information and support on offer provides great comfort and belonging to many families out there, including her own.
Tia says that prior to having her daughter, she had had very little interaction with people with Down syndrome. However, becoming a member of the DSQ community completely changed this. Tia’s goal for 2022 is to create awareness and exposure to Down syndrome in the community, and to aid DSQ in “supporting these amazing, joyful humans”. When asked about advice for others, Tia shares, “I believe there’s never been a better time in the world to be different and to celebrate it”.
We thank Tia for her time and wish her all the best of luck in the upcoming Bridge to Brisbane!
If you would like to support Tia in reaching her goal, click here.
If you also would like to support our mission, go to the Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane page and join the DSQ Team (team Name: DSQ 2022) 
https://bit.ly/3Ji3PMt
DSQ will pay for anyone who raises over $250 by 22 August 2022. See you there!