(This article was revised to fix a typo in a headline.)
Author David Egan presents “Living with Purpose,” an open discussion that focuses on faith, community, belonging and personal perseverance.
The event takes place Saturday, Feb. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2940 County Road 214, St. Augustine.
Hosted in partnership with The Arc of the St Johns and St. Augustine’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the speaking engagement and book presentation is designed to spotlight the importance of maintaining the dignity and potential of every individual.
According to a news release from the Arc of the St. Johns, the discussion based on the author’s book, “Living with Purpose,” will encourage communities impacted by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to foster an environment where everyone can “live, learn, work and thrive.”
Local speakers Victoria Grace Gonzalez, Raymond Tetschner and Caleb Prewitt, will share personal stories of resilience, leadership, community and determination.
“This special gathering reflects The Arc of the St. Johns’ and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s’ ongoing commitment to honor the dignity and potential of every person and strengthen families,” the release said.
Event sponsors include Ameris Bank, the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and Fun Coast Down Syndrome Association, along with the businesses and community partners whose support allows the event to remain free and open to the public.
Clay Murphy, chair of the St. Johns County Commission will also be present, as will Robert “Bob” Asztalos, director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.
The fee event is open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged. Registration and event details are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/david-egan-living-with-purpose-tickets-1978295622461.
Who is David Egan?
Egan, a global advocate who promotes the causes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has spent over 25 years working in competitive employment positions, including Booz Allen Hamilton, CBRE and with Source America as a community relations coordinator.
The former Special Olympics swimmer was the first person with Down Syndrome to serve as a Joseph P Kennedy Jr. public policy fellow on Capitol Hill.
According to David Egan Advocacy, as a fellow, Egan worked for the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee on Capitol Hill and with the National Down Syndrome Society. Egan has made presentations to the Senate HELP Committee, the United Nations, and the NIH/NICHD Advisory Council. In 2022, Egan received the 2022 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.
To this day, Egan remains active in research and represents self-advocates with the National Institutes of Health Down Syndrome Consortium. His first book, “More Alike Than Different: My Life with Down Syndrome,” was written to inspire audiences to “share humanity and possibilities rather than limitations.”
He currently serves on the DSANV board of directors, the CEO Commission for Disability Employment and Melwood.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Down syndrome advocate brings ‘Living with Purpose’ discussion to St. Augustine
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
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