Down Syndrome Forgotten was born out of a journey marked by struggle, resilience, and ultimately, triumph. In July 2019, Shuntel Whittley and Mark Taylor founded DSF in Phoenix, Arizona, driven by their personal experiences and the challenges they faced with their son, Mark Jr.

Having relocated from Wisconsin in search of a fresh start, they soon found themselves confronting a system that seemed stacked against them. With limited income, they settled in a marginalized community, hoping to access state services for Mark Jr. However, they quickly realized that essential in-home services, such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, were not readily available. Placed on long waiting lists, they watched helplessly as Mark Jr's progress plateaued, and his Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals remained unmet.

Their concerns fell on deaf ears when they reached out to the State of Arizona for assistance. As months passed, Mark Jr's behavior became increasingly challenging, and a heartbreaking incident left Shuntel injured, unable to care for Mark Jr and their three other children alone. Mark had to quit his job to support his family, turning to driving for Uber and Lyft for a flexible income that allowed him to be there for his family.

After months of frustration, they turned to the Down Syndrome Network (DSN) for help. Embracing the support and guidance they found there, Mark became an active member of the Dads Group, finding empowerment and knowledge in the community. With newfound understanding and support, they navigated the system, finally accessing the in-home therapy services Mark Jr desperately needed.

With Mark Jr back on track, the family's life began to improve. Inspired by their journey and the difference DSN had made in their lives, they decided to pay it forward. Out of this desire to support families like theirs, Down Syndrome Forgotten was born.

Their journey from struggle to success is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the unwavering determination of parents to ensure a better future for their children. Down Syndrome Forgotten stands as a beacon of hope and support for families navigating similar challenges, ensuring that no one feels forgotten or alone on their journey.