By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
A Hays couple is using their love of running to raise awareness about a condition they know all too well.
In October 2012, Leyda and Chad Simon’s daughter, Ashlynn, was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect.
In March 2013, Ashlynn, then five months old, underwent open heart surgery.
One day, Leyda decided she wanted to clear her mind and take some time for herself — so she went for a walk. The walk turned into a run and a desire to raise money for Down syndrome research and help spread awareness through running.
Chad, a Marine stationed at a base in North Carolina at the time, along with Leyda and a friend signed up for The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington and raised $2,700 to benefit Down syndrome research.
From that came Team Ashlynn, a group dedicated to raising Down syndrome awareness and donating to research.
In 2014, Chad retired from the Marine Corps and the family returned to Hays so he could finish his degree at Fort Hays State University.
Leyda then ran in the New York City Marathon and represented El Salvador and Down syndrome awareness in the opening ceremonies.
After that, the couple decided that they would run in the Chicago Marathon, and they began raising money toward their goal of $5,000.
Every year, March 21 is dedicated as World Down Syndrome Day, and the couple put together a virtual race where people from all over the world made a pledge to incorporate 3-2-1 into their day.
According to National Down Syndrome Society, the most common form of the disease is trisomy 21 where “an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two”
“The goal was just for people to go out and do some activity,” Chad said.
Chad said he ran 3.21 miles twice, and they had people run, bike and even Zumba on that day.
June 3 is National Running Day, and the couple has created another online event to raise money called Step Up for Down Syndrome.
The event encourages people to register and go for a run. Anyone who signs up for the event will get a medal and/or a shirt.
Chad said they are about halfway to their goal and said there are three parts to the event.
“One is to raise money for Down syndrome research, the other one is about raising awareness about Down syndrome, and third is to get people to go and be active,” he said.
“I just want to motivate, anybody can do anything,” added Leyda. “You don’t need to be a runner” to take part in the event.
Registration for the Step Up for Down Syndrome event is open until June 1 to get a shirt or a medal.
The couple also raffled off a basketball signed by the FHSU women’s basketball team, and they hope to create a 5K in Hays to raise money for Down syndrome research.