Hershey’s community wants the world to be a better place for people with intellectual disabilities, and 3.21 For Life is doing just that.
3.21 For Life, a Down Syndrome Awareness organization, is hosting its annual event at Tröegs Independent Brewing on Friday, March 21st, 2025.
What started in 2022 as a group of moms wanting to make the world a better place for their children, Jo Ann Pagano, Meg Kutz, and Lauren Talhelm created 3.21 For Life in hopes of hosting an inclusive World Down Syndrome Day event.
3.21 For Life’s unique name remarks the genetic mutation that causes Down Syndrome: Trisomy-21. Trisomy 21 occurs when a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two in their cells.
This hard-working organization of moms has raised money and engaged with the public for three years, and their presence is only getting stronger. Since 2022, the foundation has raised over $130,000 dollars for 19 different partner organizations in Pennsylvania, according to 3.21forlife.com. Additionally, they raise money through sponsorships of local friends, families, and businesses leading up to March 21st.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, can. They can work, they can play, they can be included, and they can be shining stars in our community,” said Ali Tlaxcala Peters, a member of the Events Committee who specializes in marketing for the organization.
Tlaxcala Peters said, “There was a deep need in our local community to celebrate our friends with different abilities and also shed light on identifying inclusive job opportunities.” Peters will be attending the event in honor and memory of her Aunt Suzie, and said, “I have been lucky to know and to be loved on by someone who has Down Syndrome my entire life.”
The work of 3.21 For Life has made the lives of so many of Hershey’s residents better.
Catherine Siris, a mom of 3, including a son with Down Syndrome, said, “Before 3.21 For Life, we tried to make the day as special as we could. We often did random acts of kindness and participated in some local Down Syndrome group events.”
Now, thanks to the Hershey area moms who stepped up to the role, Siris gets to participate in a special day with her kids to celebrate with the entire community. “When I think of how much it’s grown in just a few short years, I’m amazed at the work that this team has done,” said Siris.
“We’ll be going as a family to Tröegs to spend the remainder of the day. It’s a big day for us,” said Siris. “All of my kids really look forward to World Down Syndrome Day as a big party celebrating people with Down Syndrome.”
According to Tlaxcala Peters, the event begins with a kick-off at 11:00 am and will run until 9:00 pm. There will be a DJ & Live Bands, dancing, raffle baskets, merchandise, delicious food, and many activities including outdoor games”.
Supporters like Fitness 4 Focus, Love2BeeFit, Stumpy’s Axe Throwing, She Said Golf Putting Course, and so many more will also be vendors at the event, with fun activities such as face painting, permanent jewelry making, balloon making, and special character appearances by the Penn State Nittany Lion, Harrisburg Senators Rascal, and Bluey.
“We want to celebrate everyone’s unique differences and abilities. We want to encourage you to meet someone new, introduce yourself, make a friend! Be a buddy, not just for a day but for life”, said Tlaxcala Peters.
The World Down Syndrome Day Event on March 21st at Tröegs Independent Brewing is completely free to attend, and no RSVP is required.
“Our mission is incredibly important to us and our community. To shine a light on individuals with Down Syndrome, ignite a spark of inclusion, and champion experiences for lifelong involvement,” said Tlaxcala Peters.
“The amount of support that we see is unbelievable,” said Catherine Siris. “3.21 For Life has made World Down Syndrome Day a day to celebrate”.
