Core Programs, “Miles of Care” Cardiac Fund & Community Services
The “Miles of Care” Pediatric Cardiac Initiative
Congenital heart defects affect nearly half of infants born with Down syndrome. Because Western New York currently has a shortage of medical facilities offering specialized pediatric angiography and corrective pediatric cardiac surgery, local families are frequently required to travel out of state to children’s medical centers in Boston or Philadelphia.
Many children require multiple staged surgeries and frequent follow-up evaluations. Through Miles of Care, DSAN directly assists parents, families, and caregivers with transportation, fuel, airfare, and lodging expenses. We believe that “families that stay together, heal together,” and our Kings and Queens of Hearts are living testimony to this mission.
Six Core DSAN Programs Serving Niagara County Families
1. Chapter’s Coffee Cafe & Snack Bar
Opened December 3, 2024 in the main lobby of Lewiston Public Library (305 South 8th Street, Lewiston, NY 14092). Open Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon for participants ages 18–40 in a Self-Directed Program with their Direct Support Professional.
2. Buddy Walk of Buffalo Niagara
Held annually every September in the Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival Parade. Families assemble at the Red Brick School (N. 4th & Ridge / Onondaga St.) in lime green shirts, with shuttle bus access, ride tickets for youth under 18, and a family pizza lunch.
3. Down River Run, Walk & Roll
Hosted at scenic Fort Niagara State Park, Youngstown, NY 14174 (launched June 25, 2016; renewed 2022, June 3, 2023 & June 8, 2024). Features a USATF-style 5K run and 1.5-mile family walk/roll funding Miles of Care.
4. New & Expectant Parent Support
Serving as compassionate first responders for new and expectant parents with a voice of experience and hope. Free educational packets via NDSS (1-800-221-4602) and our Hospital Family Brochure (PDF).
5. Sunshine Bowling & Park Concerts
Sunshine Team Bowling meets Saturdays at 9:30 AM at Lewiston Frontier Bowling Lanes (Tel: 716-754-8248; $5.50 for 2 games + shoes, ages 10–21). Plus Turn It Up for Down Syndrome Concert in the Park and Keys to Making Music.
6. Lending Library & Web Seminars
Over 50 books and DVDs donated in 2006 to the Lewiston Public Library & NIOGA Library System (Tel: 716-754-4720), alongside 90-minute interactive web seminars on education, speech therapy, and life planning.
Proud Member Since 2023: Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce (NRRCC) in Lewiston, NY.
United Way Partner: Chapter’s Cafe is partially funded by The United Way of Greater Niagara as a 2025 funded agency.