Florence Resident to Be Featured in National Down Syndrome Society Video

NEW YORK — Lucie Pasche of Florence will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, Sept. 19 as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Times Square video presentation. The featured photographs highlight children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, reminding the world in a very big way about the contributions and milestones of people with Down syndrome. These collective images promote the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

“This video is a terrific way to showcase some of the incredible individuals with Down syndrome living in our communities across the country,” NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard said. “It is something the community looks forward to every year.”

The photo of Pasche was originally part of Pathlight’s Portraits Project, which features more than 30 portraits of local people with disabilities. Pasche’s portrait, by Amherst photographer Isabella Dellolio, was selected as one of 500 photographs that appeared in the video, streamed on NDSS social media from the heart of Times Square.

“The Portraits of Pathlight project was a fantastic opportunity to do what I love — creating photos that communicate the personalities of the people and their relationships to each other,” Dellolio said. “I love this photo in particular because it captures Lucie doing what she loves best — singing on stage and leading her band. I’m thrilled that this photo was selected for the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk video because now Lucie and her band will be able to shine on an even bigger stage in Times Square.”

A selection of Portraits Project photos are currently on display at the main office of Greenfield Savings Bank in Greenfield. Plans for future exhibits throughout Western Mass. are in the works.