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For the love of her daughter
March 24, 2007 - 8:28AM
Georgia Villalobos leads Down syndrome support group with passion
BARSTOW — When a stranger looked at Georgia
Villalobos’ daughter with disgust, Villalobos knew what to do. She proudly kissed Victoria and said, “I love you.”
“When they’re out in the public, you get looks,” she said. “You have to know how to handle
the uneducated.”
Three-year-old Tori’s small stature and eyes subtly hint she is affected by Down syndrome.
Villalobos meets people who fear they’ll catch Down syndrome from Tori or who think Tori can be cured.
In the
Villalobos home, Tori is just another kid, the youngest of six. She helps her mother with the laundry. She draws on things
— once on the bigscreen TV. In her blond daughter, Villalobos sees a “blessing from God,” a “spitfire,”
and a sharp little girl who’ll try playing it cute to get out of trouble.
But what others see worries Villalobos,
who plans to shield Tori to some extent by homeschooling her. Misconceptions sparked her hope to make the world better for
little Tori. So along with her across-the-street neighbor Vanessa Yoczik, she started Barstow’s Down Syndrome Support
Group for anyone who knows someone with the genetic disorder. When another person comes to the group, Villalobos feels like
she’s meeting a long-lost relative.
As the president, Villalobos insists on one thing for the group; it isn’t
for complaining.
“We’re not negative; we’re positive,” she said.
She wants parents
to come to the group to enjoy time with the kids. Parents bring their kids with Down syndrome and unaffected siblings. The
kids play together indiscriminately.
“We are a family-oriented group,” she said. “Down syndrome
affects the whole family.”
Looking ahead
Villalobos sees the group growing to include all types of special
needs, not just Down syndrome. She also wants to include some Apple Valley families, and the group might have some meetings
there. The group had a Christmas party and is now planning a summer fun party. The details aren’t set yet, but the event
will be free and open to any special-needs kids and their families.
Wednesday was World Down Syndrome Day, and the
group held a bake sale in front of Wal-Mart. Villalobos said that they raised more than $100 and met friendly people. Although
the money will help with the summer party, she said, the main purpose was to raise awareness. World Down Syndrome Day falls
on the date 3-21 because Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, is caused by a third 21st chromosome instead of the usual pair.
Right
now, Villalobos sees big things for the support group. But her long-term goal is even bigger: to run a school for children
with special needs.
At least one person won’t doubt her. Andrea Cruz, who nominated Villalobos to the Desert
Dispatch to be named one of Barstow’s Inspiring Women, called her a “very strong-willed kind of lady,” even
to the point of being intimidating.
“When she has a project set, she just does it,” said Cruz, whose 2-year-old
son, Favio, has Down syndrome. “She gets things done. She’s an awesome lady.”
Joining the support
group has had a big impact on Cruz’s life, she said.
“Support is such a big deal when you have a special
child,” she said.
And she’s happy that Villalobos heads the group. Because of her love for Tori, Villalobos
is “just so strong and so passionate,” Cruz said.
“She wants a better world for all of our kids.”
The support group usually meets monthly with a different theme for each meeting. Lately they’ve been meeting
in the Villalobos home, but they’re looking for a more permanent facility. For more information, call Villalobos at
256-5847.
Members of the community nominated Inspiring Women. The Desert Dispatch selected five women to profile in
honor of March being Women’s History Month.
The Creed of Babies with Down Syndrome
My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man had imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I''m one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace
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