Down Syndrome Cognitive Research Receives Nation Wide Support from State First Spouses

CHICAGO, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—New Jersey Governor First Spouse Mary Pat Christie was joined by several other First Spouses from across the country in sponsoring the “Light the Way” event on March 21, 2011 to increase awareness of, and encourage support for, the rapidly advancing area of Down syndrome cognitive research. In addition to New Jersey, participants included the first Spouses of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Guam, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Mrs. Christie announced the event February 28, 2011 at the First Spouse Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The program was officially launched on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2011, to bring attention to Down syndrome cognitive research, which holds great promise for improving memory, learning and communication for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.

On the evening of that day, participating First

“Light the Way” Event Announced by Governor First Spouses

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—New Jersey Governor First Lady Mary Pat Christie and several other Governor First Spouses have joined together to bring attention to Down syndrome cognitive research, a rapidly advancing area of research that holds great promise for improving memory, learning and communication for Down syndrome individuals of all ages.  The First Spouse “Light the Way” event will be launched on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2011. This date is particularly meaningful as Down syndrome results from the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. On the evening of that day, Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey will be illuminated in the color blue to symbolize First Lady Christie’s support of Down syndrome cognitive research.

Mrs. Christie announced the event on February 28, 2011 at a First Spouse Breakfast in Washington DC, and First Spouses across the country are participating.  To date, First Spouses from