News and Events :: DSRTF News

Two Middle School Students Start Adopt-a-Mouse of Northern Virginia
February 1, 2005

Two eighth grade students from Fairfax Country, Virginia, have established a new Adopt-a-Mouse service project in their community. Lindsey Doane and Trey Repetski, both of Oakton, have older brothers with Down syndrome who have been friends since they attended pre-school together.

Lindsey and Trey are committed to making the Adopt-a-Mouse their primary community service project for the remainder of the current school year and throughout high school. They hope to raise thousands dollars a year for Down syndrome cognition medical research.

The two students chose Adopt-a-Mouse as their community service project for a very important reason: “We want to help educate the community about Down syndrome and how scientific research in genetics and neuro-science may lead to treatments,” said Lindsey. Both Trey and Lindsey are interested in communicating the details of the scientific research, and so they are developing a PowerPoint presentation about current research to present to interested community groups.

“We think that once people understand how bio-medical treatments could help people with Down syndrome learn better and live more independent lives, they will enthusiastically support it,” said Trey. “Most people don’t know a lot about Down syndrome or about the current research. I think we can help the community understand how important medical research is to people like my brother, Matt.”

Lindsey and Trey hope to give their first community presentation in April of this year.

DSRTF has heard from many different groups who have started Adopt-a-Mouse community service programs throughout the country. If you would like your picture and story featured on our Website, please send us your photos and information.