In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, our Someone 2 Know this week is a 20-year-old Reno native who was born with the chromosomal condition also known as Trisomy 21.
And like hundreds of thousands diagnosed with Down Syndrome in the U.S., Easton Reyes is thriving ...and ready to make a name for himself.
We got a chance to see Easton in action; throwing punches and spin-kicking across the mat with his mixed martial arts instructor.
Wow, has he got moves...and not just in the dojo.
Easton Reyes is setting records in the competitive game of cup stacking (See it here; https://youtu.be/SERIgfJUA8A ).
And like every other kid, he learned how to do it - on YouTube.
"I've stacked for five years now,” explains Easton, “and I got better, and I got 12 - and 11 seconds."
Easton may have developed those quick reflexes thanks to a life-long dedication to mixed martial arts; taught with discipline - and love - by master instructor Paul Reyes, who also happens to be Easton's dad.
"His martial arts training, some of the things I do when I train him,” Paul shares, “I'm - I'm shocked at how fast he learns some stuff."
Paul admits he was overwhelmed when he first learned of his son's Down Syndrome diagnosis, 20 years ago; "I had no idea it would be so joyful and fun to have him, and he's so capable."
Although they are no longer married, Easton’s mom and dad co-parent their children and are both fiercely proud of Easton. Mom, Justine Reyes, has helped train him in modeling and acting at Tru Talent Agency, which she owns. "He's super funny,” Justine glows, “Super caring, smart - he can tell you my schedule, his schedule, his dad's schedule, his best friend's schedule."
Easton is also an aspiring model - he's walked the runway and recently had a photo shoot where he got to cut loose; "I keep on dancing, makes me so energetic - and I feel - I feel the power,” he recalls.
Easton is a graduate of Damonte Ranch High School, and has a suggestion to empower other students with Down Syndrome; "Make sure you feel and happy yourself - and you feel proud of yourself."
Dad and mom are both big advocates.
"They need to be given the same opportunities,” Justine tells us of those living with Down Syndrome, “And I think treated like everyone else."
Paul adds; "If society supports them and is a little patient - I think we'll all be amazed at what they achieve."
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If you would like to learn more about Trisomy 21 - also known as Down Syndrome – please, see the links below -
Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada
https://www.dsnnn.org/?fbclid=IwAR2KBUCjIksjBB509KI5m97Np1OMWeOwcME_L7RWfnVMwazK4a_OjZmX9YM
The National Down Syndrome Society
https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/
Fact About Down Syndrome/CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html
Patient Care & Health Information/Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355977
