Every life has immeasurable value—including the lives of those with Down syndrome. Across the country, families and communities are discovering daily the joy, resilience, and hope these children and adults bring. This weekend, that truth will shine even brighter in one of the busiest crossroads of the world, as Times Square in New York City lights up with images honoring people with Down syndrome—including one of Pennsylvania’s own, Altoona teenager Noah Schultz.

Wearing his “Class of 2025” hoodie, Noah’s photo was selected from over 2,600 entries to appear in the one-hour video that kicks off the NDSS Buddy Walk in Central Park. His mother, Anita Conte-Schultz, told the Altoona Mirror that the moment brought her son “grinning ear to ear” as he realized his accomplishment. 

Local station WTAJ also highlighted how the feature is a powerful reminder of Noah’s joy and the truth that, in his mom’s words, people with Down syndrome are “more like everyone than they are not.”

Times Square Video Presentation

Every year, NDSS reminds the world in a BIG way about the value that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities through a special video presentation on a jumbo screen in the heart of Times Square.  

500 individuals are chosen to appear in the Times Square Video, and NDSS tries to choose as many new faces as possible each year to highlight the diversity and beauty of our community. The hour-long presentation kicks off the NYC Buddy Walk® and is streamed live on Facebook.

Though Noah and his family will be watching the livestream from home, his picture will light up Times Square as a testimony to his life and the countless lives like his—lives too often misunderstood or devalued by society.

A Celebration and a Sobering Reminder

This public celebration of Noah’s life offers a sharp contrast to the hidden injustice still facing unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome. While communities like Altoona cheer Noah’s milestone, the reality is that the majority of babies given a Down syndrome diagnosis in the womb are tragically aborted.

That’s why Pennsylvania Family Institute has long championed the Down Syndrome Protection Act—a measure to affirm that no child should be targeted for abortion simply because of a disability.

Back in 2018, disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada urged the Pennsylvania Senate to pass the legislation, writing:

“Please work toward the passage of the Down Syndrome Protection Act, as it will safeguard the lives of untold numbers of children with this particular disability. We want a society which safeguards its most vulnerable populations; a society that truly cares about those who are weak.” (PAFamily.org, June 30, 2018)

In 2019, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the bill, with PFI President Michael Geer noting:

“No human being should be targeted for death by abortion because of a disability.” (PAFamily.org, May 14, 2019)

Thanks to these important efforts, and the vocal advocacy of families of children with Down Syndrome,  the bill passed the PA House and Senate–only to be  vetoed by then-Governor Tom Wolf.

That leaves Pennsylvania children with Down syndrome unprotected from abortion.

Why It Still Matters

Stories like Noah’s bring the issue into sharp focus. Here is a 19-year-old young man, beloved by his family and community, with dreams, talents, and a future worth celebrating. His selection to be featured in Times Square represents not only personal joy, but also the broader truth that people with Down syndrome contribute meaningfully to our world.

And yet, for every Noah we see on a Jumbotron, many more never see the light of day because of discriminatory abortion practices. That contradiction should stir us to keep pressing for change.

Moving Forward Together

At Pennsylvania Family Institute, we remain committed to advocating for the dignity of every human life, no matter the diagnosis or disability. Noah’s moment in Times Square is a reminder of what’s at stake—not only the recognition of those already among us, but also the protection of those still waiting to be born.

As we celebrate Noah’s achievement together with his family and community, let’s renew our resolve to defend the unborn, to work for laws like the Down Syndrome Protection Act, and to build a culture where every child, like Noah, is welcomed and celebrated.

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Related: The Maria Pearl Adoption Story

“People with Down syndrome have been blessed with an extra chromosome. And they also have been blessed with an extra amount of love to pour into the world. Whether it’s my value, your value, or Maria’s value, our value doesn’t come from what we can or cannot do. It’s purely based on the fact that we’re all equally made in the image of the living God.“

After a fourteen month process and two overseas trips, the Samek family brought Maria Pearl home. Here’s their journey:

Adoption Resources:

• RainbowKids Adoption & Child Welfare Advocacy: rainbowkids.com
• Reece’s Rainbow – Down Syndrome Adoption Grant Foundation – reecesrainbow.org
• Focus on the Family
• Show Hope – showhope.org