My sister Donna was born in 1956 with Down Syndrome. Back then, people didn’t use words like "individuality" or "inclusion." There were not any in-home or school services for her. The answer to someone with Donna’s challenges was to institutionalize them.  I still have the letter from a health care professional to my parents saying that Donna would be better off with her own kind and in the letter, she was referred to as an "it."  

The word still is a sharp reminder of how little humanity some were willing to extend to her. Donna was seen as less—a burden, an inconvenience, an afterthought. Donna was not an "it." She was a vibrant, joyful child who wanted what every child does: love, acceptance, and a chance to thrive. 

The challenges she faced were enormous. Schools weren’t equipped to teach her. There was nothing like an IEP or Special Education. But Donna? She was unstoppable. She learned to communicate, to work, to shine in ways the world never expected. Her entire life she taught us all that one’s value isn’t dictated by what society says but by who they are, the joy they bring others. 

It’s heartbreaking to see that, in some ways, not much has changed. Today, children and teens who don’t fit neatly into society’s idea of "normal" are still dismissed. They’re called names, ostracized, and, yes, sometimes referred to as "it." This can be devastating. However, we have the power to change that. 

This is why I’m passionate about the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We're an organization that steps into the lives of young people who might be overlooked and says, "You matter. You’re not just seen—you’re celebrated." January is National Mentoring Month, a time to honor the role mentors play in changing their lives. It’s also a time to ask ourselves how we can do more. 

Volunteering as a Big is an opportunity to make a real difference. When you mentor a child, you’re giving them more than time and guidance; you’re giving them hope. You’re helping them see their worth and potential, just as my family helped Donna see hers. Imagine the impact we can make when we show a child that they’re valued—not despite their differences, but because of them. 

And to those of you who support programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters through your donations and time, thank you. Your generosity makes it possible for mentors and mentees to connect, for kids to dream, and for futures to be rewritten. You are the reason children have the chance to flourish. 

Donna’s story is a testament to what happens when someone believes in you. The prejudice she faced could have defined her, but she overcame it because of the love and support around her. Today, we have the chance to be that love and support for others. 

So I ask you: Will you join us? Will you be a Big, or will you continue to make programs like this possible through your generosity? Together, we can ensure no child is ever referred to as "it." We can ensure they are seen, heard, and cherished. January is the perfect time to start. Let’s make this Mentoring Month the moment we step forward to create brighter futures. 

With hope and gratitude,