Nancy M. Schwartz - Up, Not Down Syndrome: Uplifting Lessons Learned from Raising a Son With Trisomy 21

Praise for Up, Not Down Syndrome

Great read! Here is a ten-year walk down the path of a scary Trisomy birth that leads us to the pure, unadulterated joy these children can bring.

John Wells, Board Member of LArche London, Ontario; Husband and Father

This story turns broken into whole, tragedy into joy, and optimism into hope. Nancy is an inspiration for all parents struggling with a child with challenges.

Debby Elnatan, Inventor of Upsee, a childrens walking device, and Mom

Nancy, its a wonder when someone does what you do, in Up, Not Down Syndromenamely, puts a searchlight into the nooks and crannies of ones own experience to shine the light of day on our shared humanity. And you offer many little epiphanies along the way, beginning on the first page of Chapter 1, where you write, But we cannot know lifes later lessons in the moment. We can only be where we are. Thank you for this.

Brenda Dixon-Gottschild, Ph.D., Author, Lecturer, Consultant, Teacher, Performer, and Prof. Emerita, Dance Studies, Temple University

Nancys story shines a powerful light on the murky waters of parenting and family dynamics. A required read for any parent navigating the occasionally cloudy and sometimes dark waters of parenthood and family. You will laugh, cry, and love. Enjoy the ride. Im humbled by this love story.

Beth Nordman, Giving Bean Coffee

Nancy Schwartzs Up, Not DownSyndrome reverberates with such love and care, not just for her son Alex, but for all the friends, family, medical professionals, educators, support staff, physical therapists, and numerous others with whom she has created community. This book shows how a child and a family can impact the world in a powerful, hope-filled way. I felt privileged to read this story.

Elizabeth Castiglione, Artist and Mother

Having a child with Down syndrome has enriched my life in the best possible way by introducing me to an amazing community filled with parents passionate about helping their children grow and learn to the best of their abilities. Through CHOP Buddy Walk, I have come to know Nancy and her son, Alex. Nancys resolve to ensure that Alex and his brothers thrive has influenced me to reach further for my own son and his siblings and become a Down syndrome advocate. Im so thankful that Nancy put pen to paper to document her personal experiences in Up, Not Down Syndrome. In this book, Nancy shares personal testimony that can be helpful to a wide range of audiencesfrom those who can benefit from understanding the wide range of emotions that parents of children with disabilities can face to those who can benefit from the ways Nancy is able to see and develop Alexs abilities; there are lessons in this book that can help any and every reader. The three components of each chapter, the storytelling, the Lessons Alex Taught Me, and Alexs unique perspective combine to help the reader understand that Alexs life has tremendous value and potential. I will recommend this book to families who have recently received a medical diagnosis, to extended families within our Down syndrome community, to teachers and support staff and to students. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your story with the world!

Danielle Thompson, Mom to Porter, Penny, and Paxton, Wife, and CPA

The truth and beauty of Nancy Schwartzs words tell an ongoing story of love, learning, and the power of acceptance. All can learn from this familys boundless hope and from their source of joy and strength: Alex.

April Beard, Music Educator and Cellist

With indomitable tenderness, Up, Not Down Syndrome reveals the unexpected wonder of raising a son with Downs syndrome. Get ready for a brilliant love.

Deidre Schena, Historian and Mother

This is a wonderful book to remind you that the joy of love is possible in unexpected places when you open your heart to it.

Barbara Taylor Bowman,

Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development

This book is an inspiration and a challenge, calling each of us to look at the ways in which we need to expand our hearts and minds. Reading about Alex, I felt an inner tug to move beyond my preconceived notions and limiting beliefs. This isnt simply a story about a mothers love for her son. Its a call-to-action. Each and every one of us can expand to greater love if only we look at the upside of the downs in our lives.

Daralyse Lyons, Author, Actress, Speaker, Coach, and Yogi

Once in a great while, there is a book that speaks directly to your heart. It uplifts you and pulls you in with a compelling story and a message that changes how you think. In Up, Not Down Syndrome, Nancy Schwartz shares her real-life story of giving birth to Alex, her son whose challenges and struggles catapulted her and her family into a whole new world and a whole new perspective on life. She shares her inner struggles, the real life drama of what happened, and her familys breathtaking victories. Its a story of learning to see the good, of gratitude, and growth. Its a must-read for people of all ages with its universal message of hope and light and love.

Susie Garber, Educator, Mother, Grandmother, Reporter, Speaker, and Author

This book is a lifeline to families who need support and encouragement. Nancys soul-bearing story is inspirational, informative, and invaluable.

Jackie Bratsis, Educator and Mother

This book is for anyone wanting to know what its like to raise a child with Down syndrome. In her memoir, Nancy Schwartz shares the initial fears that ultimately give way to celebrations, and lessons learned from her son, Alex. It is a moving and deeply insightful book that will open ones eyes to the joys of raising a child with Down syndrome.

Jessica Wells, Quality Assurance Engineer and Teacher

Up, Not Down Syndrome is an inspiring read. Nancy Schwartz will take you with her on her journey, touch your heart, and leave you full of more hope, love, and appreciation for life. Read it now!

Lisa Kohn, Speaker, Leadership Expert, and Author of the Best-Selling Memoir to the moon and back

Up, Not Down Syndrome will challenge your notion that raising a differently-abled child is any sort of hardship. Instead, it is the greatest blessing bestowed upon us; we are not worthy. This book is a giant fist reaching into your chest, squishing your heart, changing everything you believed about parenting someone special. No nonsense storytelling but with Nancys beautifully sculpted soul gleaming through each page. Be prepared to meet and fall in love with Alex and his posse, even if you spill tears on each page.

Paige Figi, Adventurer, Executive Director of Coalition for Access Now, Mom to Charlotte, Chase, and Maxwell, Charlottes Web CBD

A moving and wise story of how a family navigates through hope, loss, learning, and most of all, love.

Rabbi David Wolpe, Author of David: The Divided Heart

I have been amazed at Nancys advocacy for Alex and those like him. Through this book and by example, Nancy and her family are teaching us the gifts of the challenge. People will treat him the way I treat him, is the quote I can hear her say over and over. Nancy so honestly shares her fear, shame, and anger that happened soon after Alex was born and how it transformed into acceptance, love, joy, and growth. Up, Not Down Syndrome will serve as a life raft for anyone in a similar situation because it teaches the rest of us about kindness and inclusivity. Beautifully, beautifully written.

Jessica Lowenadler Sontag, Kitchen Coach, Wife, and Mom to Jonas, Mia, and Anders

The story of Alex and his family is an important one to share! Nancy Schwartz is a fierce advocate and mother whose passion and love sound a call for the inclusive society we need.

David Bradley, Theater Producer and Director of