U.S. Congressman to Escort Temple Terrace Resident to Down Syndrome Gala

Temple Terrace resident Thalia Arbelaez will be among 25 models with Down Syndrom who will model fashions at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala Wednesday May 8 at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C.

Her runway escort will be U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Florida.

The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala is a high-style fashion show and fundraiser featuring a performance by nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, celebrities including super model Beverly Johnson, CNN’s Kyra Phillips and Fox News’ John Roberts, and members of Congress.

The gala is designed to raise awareness about Down syndrome and will honor Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, and Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of those with disabilities.

Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is the least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), securing only 0.07 percent of NIH’s 2012 $31 billion budget.

Global is focused on working with NIH, raising funds and educating the public and leaders about the discrepancy in research funding for the condition, as well as the abilities and achievements of those with Down syndrome.

Arbelaez is a 20-year-old who is getting ready to graduate this year from Pepin Academy in Tampa. She has participated on the Pepin Academy Cheerleading Team and has won the Florida State Cheerleading Competition for the past three years.

Upon graduation, she will continue her dance studies with the goal of being a part of “Dancing with the Stars” and becoming a dance teacher’s assistant for children with special needs.

Arbelaez was a special guest at the 2011 International Congress for Down Syndrome in Colombia.

This year, she will lead a workshop called “More Reasons to Dance” at the NDSC Convention in Denver.