Awakening Angels Pledges $1.25 Million to Support Ohio Families Raising Children with Down Syndrome
- Brooke Sullivan
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Published: Sep 3, 2026 - 12:16 p.m.
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Families in Ohio navigating a new Down syndrome diagnosis have a significant new source of financial and emotional support. Awakening Angels, a local nonprofit, is pledging $1.25 million through its Life Grant Program to assist 250 families across the state. Each selected household will receive a $5,000 grant to help manage the transition of welcoming a child with the diagnosis into their home, whether through birth or adoption.
The organization's roots are deeply tied to the Cleveland community. It was established in 2012 by restaurateur Tony George and his wife, Kristine, in honor of their son, Michael. While Michael died of leukemia at age 16, his legacy continues to drive the foundation's mission to support families during those early, often overwhelming months following a diagnosis. Tony George, whose business interests include several well-known Northeast Ohio establishments including Summer Place, says he wants to ensure parents do not feel isolated.
He knows the challenges of raising a child with a disability, but he also remembers the experience as the most joyful thing that ever happened to his family. According to the Awakening Angels program guidelines, the $5,000 grants are not restricted to a single type of expense. This flexibility allows parents to address their most immediate needs, which can range from medical bills and specialized therapies to the purchase of adaptive equipment. Because specialized care often requires travel, the money can also be used for transportation to see specialists or to cover educational support and child care.
The need for such support is widespread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. It affects approximately one in every 772 babies born annually. For parents like Brandon and Amy Barski, the journey involves looking past the diagnosis to see the child. They adopted their daughter, Priya, from an orphanage in India. Priya, who is now 3, was surrendered at just 1 month old shortly after her biological mother learned of her condition.
Brandon Barski says there is no reason to be afraid and that Priya has filled their lives with joy. Amy Barski believes that a child with Down syndrome has so much to offer the world. She says it is often the expectations of others that dim a child's light, and when people recognize the inherent value in everyone, that light shines brightly. The initiative comes at a critical time as the costs of health care and early intervention services continue to climb. By providing these funds directly to families, Awakening Angels aims to bridge the gap between the initial news of a diagnosis and the start of a thriving life for the child.
Tony George says the goal is to keep growing the program as more people contribute to the charity. He wants to help more families choose a path of support and community. Families can apply for the Life Grant Program directly through the organization's website. Information regarding eligibility and the application process is available at awakeningangels.org.
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