DOLORES Z

Dolores is a mom, an attorney, and an advocate, living in Brownsville, Texas. Her nominator, Angie, says, “Dolores gave birth to her first-born child Zariah on the never forgotten September 11, 2001. Much to both her and her husband’s surprise, Zariah was born with severe Down syndrome. After navigating through research on their own and learning all they could about it, they realized they were not alone in this struggle. They began to reach out to other women and couples in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to share their story and help them, too, navigate through the road ahead.” ⁠

Dolores, along with her husband, formed Down by the Border with the mission to enhance the quality of life and provide support to persons with Down syndrome and their families. Through Down by the Border, Dolores has not only provided support for families, but she has also been pivotal in educating legislative leaders, promoting the passage of legislation, and advocating for inclusion in schools. Angie says, “Through all the heartache and pain, I told my friend Dolores that because of Zariah, they have been able to help sooo many other families in their community, and little did she believe she could be a mom, attorney, and advocate for children with special needs.”

Dolores, thank you for your dedication and leadership and for being a light to so many. You inspire us!

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/dbtborder