18 Holes. 18 Stories. One Mission.

Alexa Cirino was born with Down syndrome in June of 1997. She is the oldest of 3 and she adores her sisters! As a family, we vowed to let her experience life on her terms and define her likes, as we support her along the way and celebrate all her successes. She currently holds two part-time jobs, riding at Fieldstone Farm, dancing at our local dance studio and production at Broadway Buddies. When not working or enjoying her recreational activities she can be found cheering on one of her Cleveland sport teams, especially the Monsters Hockey Team!

Our son Cooper Barth, now 13, is a hardworking and determined boy, who continues to make great progress in school and any other challenges he faces. Our family has been involved with DSANEO since very early on, with the Buddy Walk becoming one of our favorite traditions. In addition to being an eager and curious student, Cooper enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, and everything Batman. He participates in many sports, including basketball, soccer, golf, skiing, tennis, and baseball and is a funny guy who’s always got a joke to tell. We look forward to continuing to see him grow and strive to reach his goals!

Genevieve Burke (20) is a 2025 graduate of Hudson High School where she was a member of the Women’s Varsity Bowling Team, ran the 100 meters on the track team for four years, cheered at football and basketball games with Hudson Sparkle Cheerleading and was a four-year member of the Women’s Choir and acted in several plays with Our Time To Shine. She participates in Special Olympics track and has earned two gold medals in bowling in the state games in Columbus in the last two years. Genevieve works at Summa Hospital in Akron through Project Search and stays active in Kent State’s Dress Up for Down Syndrome and Empower Dance organizations. She also participates in DSANEO activities like cooking classes and volunteering for Buddy Walk. Genevieve has inspired others, including a former dance instructor who now teaches special needs classes in Los Angeles and her sister Isobel, who works as a case manager for people with developmental disabilities in Kentucky.

Carmen Farley, born with Down Syndrome on May 5, 1999, lives with her parents and their dog Addie. A 2019 North Royalton High School graduate, she attends Pals Day program in Strongsville, works at Augie’s Pizza, and is part of DSANEO’s Sunburst Snacks “A Team.” Carmen enjoys activities like Empower Sport, Improv, Community Life Programs, family dinners, and games with her sister Miranda and Miranda’s fiancé, Jeff. She began dating her true love Alex Kowalski after the 2022 DSANEO Sunburst Gala; they enjoy dances, Camp Matthew, and outings with their best friends Theresa and Ted. Carmen was recognized by the Cleveland City Council as a member of the DSANEO Self-Advocate Presentation Board. Their involvement is to advocate their personal healthcare stories to medical professionals working with individuals with Down Syndrome. This will foster a more compassionate and informed approach to patient care throughout Northeast Ohio.

William was born on April 20, 2002, and has Down syndrome. He lives with his parents, brother Matt, and dog Zeke in Northeast Ohio. A 2021 graduate of North Royalton High School, he became known and loved by so many students and staff. His favorite activity was Friday Night Lights, where he cheered on his younger brother on the football field and enjoyed watching the marching band. William is now part of the Teammates program, where he builds vocational and independent living skills. Friendly and well-liked, William enjoys volunteering, outings, spending time with family, watching football and movies, listening to music, and dancing. His positive spirit brings joy and reminds others of the importance of kindness and cherishing everyday moments.

Grady Bender, a high school freshman who turned 16 in March, is the middle child of Tim and Elaine Bender, with an older brother Cooper and younger sister Everly. Known for his humor, kindness, and intelligence, Grady has participated in Tallmadge Challenger Baseball since age six and played soccer and basketball with Empower Sports. High school brought new experiences, including dancing, working at the school store, and joining the musical. His positive influence extends to his family, with his mother authoring the Christian children’s book I Am Exceptional, celebrating unique gifts. As DSANEO members, the Benders value its supportive community, and Grady has enjoyed activities like the Dress Up for Down’s fashion show and DSANEO’s reading program.

Archie wasn’t diagnosed with Down syndrome until he was about six months old. With ten years of hindsight, we now see that early period as a gift. Archie loves playing baseball with the Miracle League of Northeast Ohio, selling Sunburst Snacks as a Junior Associate with the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio, and spending time with his family. Today, we know him as an enthusiastic 10-year-old who is always learning, playing, and enjoying life.

Olivia, a 29-year-old international model with Down Syndrome, advocates globally for inclusion and visibility. She has modeled at major fashion weeks, won awards in London and Dubai, appeared on magazine covers, and was named one of the top 85 “Women Worth Watching in Leadership” by Profiles in Diversity Magazine. Olivia has also received the Marquis’ Who’s Who in America award—the first person with Down Syndrome to do so—and won two Anthem Awards for advocacy. Honored with the President’s Award in Volunteerism for raising over $100,000 for cancer research, she is a cancer survivor named “Global Inclusion Icon of the Year” for 2026 by Oxford University. Olivia serves as an Ambassador for the UK’s “Up Side of Downs,” and was recently named as one of the “People of Interest for 2026” by Cleveland Magazine.

Eve was born prematurely with Down syndrome on September 23, 2004, undergoing six surgeries within her first seven months. Despite early health challenges, she is now an energetic young woman who attends P.A.C.T.S., works at Summer Place, and participates in dance class and aquatic therapy. Eve enjoys pasta, music, board games, ice cream, boating, vacations, and margaritas. As the youngest of three sisters, her experiences inspired her siblings to become an intervention specialist and a PICU nurse. She is the heart of our family, irreplaceable, and we couldn’t do life without her.

Faith Thomas was born on October 28, 2017, with Down syndrome. Our family calls her our little game changer. Our lives are exponentially better because of her. Her name is no accident; it was carefully chosen and is the guiding light of our family. The lessons we have learned from her are many. To name a few, patience, gratitude, compassion, the importance of community and taking time to enjoy the little things because the little things are actually the big things. Faith is an outgoing and vibrant 8-year-old who lives a full and inclusive life. She loves school, her friends, riding horses, swimming and musicals! She perfectly completes our family.

Christopher Bean, born in 1992 with Down syndrome, is the eldest of three siblings and has always included his brother and sister in his activities. The Bean family became strong advocates for disability inclusion, shaped by various experiences like therapy, school, and involvement with DSANEO. DSANEO offered them support through social events, educational resources, and opportunities like the Tee It Up Golf program, which led Chris to Special Olympics and new friendships. Through golf, Chris connects with others, changes perceptions, and raises awareness for individuals with Down syndrome.

Lindsay was born with Down syndrome in 1986 and passed away the next year due to a heart defect. Her family’s book, “Lindsay Smiles”, imagines Lindsay’s life as an energetic girl who spreads joy wherever she goes. The story celebrates Lindsay’s spirit and highlights the importance of empathy and diversity for building an inclusive community. The success of Lindsay Smiles paved the way for the creation of the Lindsay Smiles Foundation, a fund-raising organization to make charitable contributions supporting the needs of Down Syndrome individuals, families and organizations in need of assistance and support.