Talking about their younger son, seven-year-old Lukas, Kate and Akim Nyormoi say, “He doesn't always smile. He’s not always happy. He has rough moments like every kid. And he wants to have friends, to learn, to play, and to be a part of the community. He wants to be loved. He’s just a kid, and a great one at that." Lukas is a child with Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder affecting about 1 in 700 newborns. Kate summarizes the experience of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome - “It's not what you're expecting. You grieve the child you thought you were going to have, while simultaneously loving the beautiful child you have."

   

Moving back to the Pacific Northwest from Kentucky, the family - including older son Parker, 10 – has made their home in Mill Creek. Kate explains that they have always valued community but have come to realize challenges frequently faced by individuals with disabilities. “We often have to help people see Lukas ‘the child’ and not ‘the disability.’ For many of us, individuals with disabilities are unfamiliar and that can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. We find being open about Lukas’ disability and willing to educate and answer questions creates an environment where people feel more comfortable and willing to get to know him as a person.” 

The couple advocated for Lukas to have the opportunity to attend Mill Creek Elementary school with his brother and neighborhood friends. Akim shares, “We are so thankful we did. Going to a fantastic school with the friends in his neighborhood sets the foundation for Lukas to thrive.”  Kate adds, “Our expectation and vision for Lukas is to be a contributing member of his community, to have a job and as much independence as he is afforded. We believe that being in the classroom is good for him, as it prepares him for the world in which he's going to navigate throughout his life. We also see how good it is for his classmates to engage with a child who has different abilities, to experience differences early on, accept and value each as individuals. What I love the most is that when people get to know Lukas, they realize what a special kid he is. While he has his challenges, he also has his gifts. He is incredibly empathetic and bringing joy is his superpower.” 

Akim, by profession an occupational therapist, explains how much inclusion matters to every child. “When we think about children with special needs or disabilities, a lot of categories are created, and the result is separation.” The couple emphasizes that while Lukas has different needs, at the end of the day, he truly is just a kid. Lukas has faced much adversity in his short life, including many surgeries, most recently a cranial-cervical fusion requiring him to be in a neck collar, likely until the end of the year.  Yet he remains resilient through it all. His brother Parker is a solid anchor for Lukas. “Their relationship is special. Parker is the kindest big brother, willing to help Lukas but also pushing him to be independent. Lukas is Parker’s greatest hype man, cheering him on at games and running into his arms for a big hug every day after school," his parents share.

The couple is active with the Down Syndrome Associations of Puget Sound, and Kate is on the startup committee for GIGI’s Playhouse, a national organization with 62 brick and mortar locations supporting the achievement of individuals with Down syndrome. The aim is to open a GIGI's Playhouse in Everett in 2027. Kate shares, “I am beyond excited to help bring this amazing organization to Everett and can’t wait to see the community impact it will have.” 

Akim notes, “As a society we have come a long way. We’re challenging the conventional view of how we integrate children with disabilities into schools.  We’re challenging kids with special needs or disabilities to do more; rather than assume they can’t. We're seeing more children, especially with Down syndrome, growing in health, participating, and functioning in society.” Kate concludes, “We are thankful for the Mill Creek community and the many people that have impacted our journey with Lukas. We also smile, knowing the people he has impacted as well. We hope to continue living our lives here in a way that supports Lukas’ connection and inclusion in this community and continues to help him and other individuals like him thrive.”