Role model

Cheering for Anna

Mary Page encourages daughter to step out from the sidelines

By Amy Taylor

Some parents grieve when they learn their new born has Down syndrome. It was never 

like that for Mary Page and her Anna.  "Anna's been an inspiration and blessing to me 

since she was born,"  said Page, a  nurse on the 3A medical-surgical unit at Saint Joseph 

Hospital. "When I get down and feel like giving up, I realize I still have Anna."  As the 

mother of a 40-year-old daughter with Down syndrome and two normal sons, Page was 

never satisfied to watch her boys develop while Anna sat on the sidelines. For years the 

nurse has given up vacations to take her daughter to cheerleading competitions around the 

nation. Anna is a proud member of the Kentucky Elite Showcats.  In 2003 a friend with a 

Down syndrome daughter mentioned cheerleading to Page.  Anna joined the new squad 

soon after.  "Ours was the first Special Olympics cheerleading group," Page said. "Since 

this began, there have been 150 groups started worldwide."  Cheerleading has been a great 

outlet for Anna, her mother said.  "It allows her to interact with other disabled children,and 

with normal children as well.   Anna's a happy child. Her speech is limited, but she's always

 outgoing."   Not all Showcats have Downsyndrome, but all have special needs. Despite that 

fact, they sometimes compete against "normal"  cheerleaders, Page said-as they did in Florida 

during an international competition last year.  "It was spectacular," Page said. "The kids from 

other countries, all normal kids, warmed right up to Anna.   They were an inspiration."  Page is 

a role model for her co-workers because of her dedication to Anna, saidher manager on 3A, 

Lesly Arrasmith.   "[ think everybody who gets involved with what Mary does for her daughter 

can't help but be inspired," Arrasmith said. "She gives so much.  She chaperones when other 

mothers can't attend so their daughters can compete."   Although Anna is overweight because of  

thyroid problems, cheerleading was a perfect fit, her mother said.  "Anna loves the music part,"   

Page said. "She loves to dance.    It comes naturally, because ours is a very musical family."    

Page can see the time coming when she will be unable to "This is about Anna fulfilling herself 

to the ultimate of her capacity.    I feel so proud of her."   shepherd Anna through life.  Her plan 

is to take her daughter to Jerry Tucker, who runs the Galilean Home for special needschildren. 

Tucker has adopted 25 children and young adults, and has promised to take in Anna, her mother 

said.   In the meantime, Page feels privileged to travel with Anna and the Showcats to events that 

"help them stay fit, demonstrate their courage and talent, and experience the joy of making friends.   

"This is about Anna fulfilling herself to the ultimate of her capacity," her mother said. "I feel so proud 

of her."   The Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky will host its annual Buddy Walk 

Saturday,  October 3 at Keeneland RaceCourse in Lexington. The walk promotes acceptance of people 

with Down syndrome, and raises funds to increase awareness and education. 

Page and Anna invite the SJHS family to take part.