Oct 17, 2026

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Celebration ft. Sean Astin

$0 raised

Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky

We are an organization of parents, friends, and families who have loved ones born with Down syndrome. It is our desire to help you gain information and support for the journey that lies ahead. We serve ALL AGES of individuals born with Down syndrome and offer activities and services for any of our Buddy House members. Most of our services come at no cost to you, and we offer scholarship opportunities for anything that may have a fee. We are blessed with an abundance of wonderful partnerships throughout our community. OUR MISSION is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing support, information, education, resources, networking, and activities. WE BELIEVE that inclusion and community support are essential in helping enable persons with Down syndrome to achieve their maximum potential and lead fulfilling lives.

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About Sean Astin

SEAN ASTIN is an acclaimed American film and television and is best known for classic characters: Samwise Gamgee in THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, Rudy in RUDY, Mikey Walsh in Spielberg's THE GOONIES, Doug Whitmore in 50 FIRST DATES, Bob Newby in Netflix's STRANGER THINGS and Tyler on ABC’S THE CONNERS. Astin made his Broadway debut as Santa last holiday season, in ELF THE MUSICAL. Astin is the son of luminary performers, Patty Duke and John Astin.

In September of 2025, Astin was elected president of SAG/AFTRA.  Astin served on the National and Los Angeles Local Boards as well as on many committees (Executive, Strike Preparedness, Government Affairs & Public Policy and the Government Rules Committee).  He was on the 2023 TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee, which oversaw the historic 118 summer strike, as well as 2024/2025 Animation & Commercials Negotiating Committees. Recently he delivered keynote speeches at the California Federation of Labor Convention in San Diego and in front of the legislature in Sacramento, California in support of AI protections legislation.

Astin served under six secretaries in two administrations as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. Astin was appointed by the Presidents Council as a non-partisan on Service and Civic Participation

Astin regularly speaks to Universities, Corporations and Non-Profit Organizations on various subjects including Leadership, Acting and with special emphasis on continuing his mother's legacy of activism in the area of mental health. 

Sean recently completed a Master's degree in Public Administration and Policy at American University. Sean graduated from UCLA in 1997 with B.A.’s in History and English.

Astin lives in Los Angeles, CA with his wife, Christine Astin. They have three children, Ali Astin Elizabeth Astin and Isabella Astin.

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