Peter was recently selected as an International Ambassador for Nothing Down. Peter was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth where the doctors told us he would die within 4 days. Well, he is now 27 and doing just fine. We want to share the message that doctors don’t always know everything and to always keep the faith!

Peter has an older sister, Heather, and a younger brother, Brent, and he became an uncle for the first time five months ago. His parents have been married for 33 years and he and his siblings are the highlight of their lives. Peter enjoys such things as bowling, swimming, movies, eating out and traveling. His travels have included Niagara Falls, the Bahamas, Cancun, California, Las Vegas, Arizona and many others. His most recent adventure was in December to Colorado, where he enjoyed horseback riding and mushing (dog sledding.) Yes, he drove the dog team in the beautiful snow covered mountains! Peter is definitely a thrill-seeker. He has been skydiving, zip lining, parasailing and even rode the roller coaster at the top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.

Peter attends an acting class, and was recently cast as an extra in an upcoming movie called “Bruised” starring and directed by Halle Berry! He had the wonderful opportunity to meet this actress and she was very inspiring. Peter also performed a dance number with several other young adults with Down syndrome at the Nothing Down Gala this past November and received a standing ovation! Peter held a job at a local Italian Restaurant and is actively seeking a new job, but if asked he will tell you he took early retirement to enjoy his life!

Peter can make you laugh for no reason, smile just thinking about him and he definitely lights up a room. He is an avid WWE fan and could probably tell you more stats than most of their managers. His dream is to become a wrestler or announcer. Our wish is to help show the world that an extra chromosome only means our kids are filled with more love and compassion than the world can handle. But through groups like Nothing Down we are going to change perceptions, one day at a time.