The Jerome Lejeune Foundation has been given an incredible opportunity to build a memorial to a father’s heroic sacrifice for his son, and to also improve the lives of those living with Down syndrome!

Angels in Disguise has provided an initial gift to launch a research fund in honor of Thomas S. Vander Woude. Mr. Vander Woude was a devoted husband and the father of 7 sons, one of whom, Joseph (“Josie”), was born with Down syndrome.

On September 8, 2008, Mr. Vander Woude and Josie, then 20, were working together on the family farm in Virginia when Josie fell through the metal plate covering the farm’s septic tank. Without a thought for his own safety, Mr. Vander Woude jumped in after his son and was holding him up to be rescued when he himself drowned in the sewage. Josie miraculously survived, but the family lost its heroic father, well known for his deep love and generosity, and whose devotion to his family was constant to the very end.

The Jerome Lejeune Foundation is honored to be given this opportunity to memorialize Mr. Vander Woude with a perpetual fund to support therapeutic research for those living with Down syndrome. At a time when many parents either refuse or question giving birth to a child who has been prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome, Mr. Vander Woude’s sacrifice shows how deep a parent’s love can be for a child born with a disability. There is indeed no greater love than to give oneself for another. His courage and love for his son is an inspiration, and must never be forgotten.

Thanks to Angels in Disguise, and to our benefactors, we have the opportunity to keep Mr. Vander Woude’s example of love alive for years to come. Your gift to the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Fund will not only build a memorial to a heroic man, but will be a testimony to the value of every human life, including those born with a disability. You will also support critical research being funded by the Jerome Lejeune Foundation to improve the lives of those living with Down syndrome.

Donors are invited to help build this memorial to Thomas S. Vander Woude by making contributions online, or by calling the foundation office or sending a check. All funds will support research being conducted to improve the lives of those living with Down syndrome.

You are also invited to view the video below that was created by another organization to preserve this incredible story of heroism.