Instagram users tend to post photos of their daily lives or achievements, but some users are finding that social media platforms can create nontraditional support groups. Social media has given Karin Dolan the ability to connect with people instantaneously with the click of a couple of buttons, by creating an Instagram page called “Whats_the_story_Rory.”
Karin’s page, which sheds light on the blessings and struggles of Down syndrome, quickly turned into an online support group for families that have a ‘homie with an extra chromie.’ Her 18-month-old son Rory was diagnosed one week after he was born with Down syndrome, a genetic chromosomal disorder, and since then he has proved to the world that no physical or mental disability will hold him back.
“I decided to create this page, one to be able to share Rory with the world because obviously we are super proud of him, but also to use it as a means to connect with other families,” says Karin.
Thousands of Instagram users on every continent have viewed Karin’s videos and pictures of Rory, who is sometimes accompanied by his brother Finn and sister Harper. Since every case of Down syndrome differs, her captions provide information on Rory’s progress in hopes that other families whose children have an extra copy of chromosome 21 can relate to some of her daily struggles at home and in public.
Comm465 reporter Erin Dolan wears an ‘I heart homies with extra chromies’ t-shirt while holding Rory Dolan at his home in Aston, PA
While some children need extra medical attention, others with Down syndrome have become actors, singers, business owners and more, as a growing number of adults live independently, have jobs, and get married. Karin’s page focuses on spreading awareness so that people understand that children with this genetic chromosome disorder have the opportunity to live up to their potential.
Karin says, “It is very important that the world understands that Rory and everyone that has Down syndrome is just like everyone else and deserves to be treated with love and respect.”
Karin’s page celebrates abilities rather than disabilities during October’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month by posting a new fact each day about the goals Rory has accomplished such as pulling himself up on the couch, crawling, and eating food. One of Rory’s cousins, Christopher Dolan, explains that her posts helped him understand the obstacles Rory faces every day.
“I learned a lot about Rory and Down syndrome when Karin posted all the facts during October. I realized he was going through so much and he is accomplishing all of his goals,” says Dolan.
“Whats_the_story_Rory” will continue to provide support to other families that have a ‘homie with extra chromie’ by knowing they are not alone.
To learn more about Down syndrome visit: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/down-syndrome or follow @whats_the_story_rory on Instagram