Family Preservation in Vietnam-Assisting Families with Children with Down Syndrome

Adoption is by no means the only option. One person can make a difference.

Vets with a Mission is putting together a summer project to assist Vietnamese families raising children with Down Syndrome.

Walt Griffin, the head of this project and father to a son with Down Syndrome, says ““I want to educate caregivers,” he said. “My goal is to help the families and Vietnamese medical staff who normally attend to their needs to better understand this condition, better know what to expect and how to address the day-to-day needs, both physical and educational. I plan to do this with seminars and hands-on training, giving the caregivers the tools to help the special needs people lead healthier, fuller and more independent lives.

“Our team will consist of a doctor, a nurse and an educator with expertise in the field of Down syndrome, and an additional four or five team members for logistical support,” Griffin said. “Our clinics and seminars will be held in and around Hue, Vietnam, and at the Hue Medical School.”

A doctor is still needed to travel with the team; if one doesn’t volunteer, the trip might be postponed.

Griffin has pledged to match all donations received up to $5,000 for a total of at least $10,000 to fund the project. ”