By Barbara Pierce
“She lives an amazing life!” were the words that Mary Radel of The 21 Club of CNY used to introduce me to Gina Klepadlo, a 34-year-old resident of Rome with Down syndrome. Gina lives with her parents and is close to her two older brothers, their wives and children.
We asked Gina and her mother, Carol, to describe what life is like for Gina.
Q: I understand you work as a teacher’s aide. What is your job like?
A: I help the kids; help them with math or reading or doing activities. I work with third graders.
Carol added that Gina works as a volunteer in the Rome School District. She’s been there seven years.
Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: I love the kids!
Q: What do you like least about this job?
A: Nothing! There’s nothing I don’t like. I like it all!
Q: What other work have you done?
A: I worked for seven years at the Wyndham Hotel, where I made beds, cleaned up rooms and the common area. I like working with kids better.
Carol added that, after high school, Gina attended CollegeWorks, a two-year program with the goal of connecting participants with jobs. Through this program, Gina was connected with the job at the Wyndham. She also learned to take the bus to her classes and from her classes to her job.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: I’m in Special Olympics. I do bocce, golf, swimming, bowling. I am an athlete! I take classes and practice at the YMCA — at the Y, I do Zumba, swimming and yoga. I have lot of friends. We go to the movies, hang out, play video games and basketball.
Carol added that, when Gina participated in Special Olympics USA in 2022, it was a highlight of her life. She traveled to Orlando, Florida, to participate where she won gold and silver medals.
Also, Gina participants in The Arc, Oneida-Lewis’ StageWorks program that puts on community theater productions. “It’s a wonderful experience for her,” Carol added.
Q: If you could use just one word to describe your life, what would word that be?
A: “Wonderful!” Gina replied, after thinking for a few minutes.
“Awesome!” Carol added. “She leads a very good life!”
Carol also wanted us to know that Gina participates in social events with The 21 Club of CNY.
It’s called The 21 Club, because trisomy 21 is another word for Down syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
The 21 Club President Mary Radel explained: “We’d like every family who loves someone with Down syndrome to know that you don’t have to be alone on this journey. We hold social events so families have the opportunity to connect with each other while having fun.”
Carol added that, in addition to social activities, The 21 Club does so much for people with Down syndrome. They help new parents with a Down syndrome baby; they offer groups for mothers and groups for fathers.
Q: We asked Carol: What would you like people to know about Down syndrome?
A: While people are more aware of what Down syndrome is all about, more inclusion is still a goal. Also, I’d like people to know that those with Down syndrome can accomplish so much; they can do so many things. Like Gina — she volunteers, has friends, enjoys family time, does fun things.
The fight for inclusion — in activities, in jobs — is so important, especially in jobs. They need to work. I’d like parents who have a child with Down syndrome to know that their child can be accepted.
Regarding The Club 21, Radel added: “We think Down syndrome is something to celebrate. We provide new family welcome, congratulations packages to local hospitals here and in Syracuse so we can congratulate and connect with new families right away. Membership is always free. If you love someone with Down syndrome, you’re in! We are so grateful for donations and support from the community.
“We advocate for inclusion for our friends with Down syndrome in school and in the community. We provide educational speakers for our families and community on various topics in Down syndrome. World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21 so, this story is great timing.”