About DSCC
The Down Syndrome and Cancer Coalition (DSCC) was founded in 2017 by moms Megan Dodd and Becky Carey. Becky started her very personal journey in the cancer world in 2013, when her daughter, Tessa, was diagnosed with Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia. In 2016, Megan’s son Alex was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Megan and Becky met through the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN); an organization that encourages and supports families with a new Down syndrome diagnosis. Together, they recognized a need to provide families with more in-depth support for families facing a cancer diagnosis. From there, the Down Syndrome and Cancer Coalition was born.
The DSCC operates under the umbrella of the DSDN’s 501(c)(3) designation. The DSDN connects, supports and provides accurate information to families with a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Misson
To help caregivers of individuals with Down Syndrome navigate a cancer diagnosis by encouraging and supporting every step of the way.
Our Co-Founders
Becky Carey
Becky Carey is busy wife and mom of three: one teenage stepson and two toddler daughters. She is also an author of the children’s book 47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code. As the mom of a child who was diagnosed with both Down syndrome and leukemia, Becky is dedicated to supporting others who will endure the same. She shares her personal experiences about parenting through writing on her blog; where she navigates life’s ever-changing directions.
Megan Dodd
Megan started her very personal journey in the cancer world in 2016, when her son, Alex, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia. While serving as a Facebook support team volunteer for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, encouraging families with a new Ds diagnosis, Megan quickly realized the need to provide more in-depth support to families facing a cancer diagnosis. From there, she partnered with Becky Carey, a veteran cancer mom, and the Down Syndrome Cancer Coalition was born.
Passionate about empowering people to meet their true potential, working through challenges that may come along the way, Megan is an empathetic listener, and action-oriented leader. Prior to forming the DSCC, Megan has dedicated her life to her career in education, helping others excel in a variety of roles. She still serves as an elementary school principal in Maryland. When her son Alex was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia she realized that the Down syndrome community needed a place for cancer families to support each other. She is passionate about connecting families and supporting them on this parenting journey.
Looking for other ways to support DSCC?
- Contact us to learn about hosting a fundraising event, or volunteer by serving on our advisory board, delivering care packages, or delivering information packets to hospitals
- Follow us on social media and get involved in the conversation
- Host a Blood Drive
- Join the Bone Marrow Registry or Host a Drive