Down syndrome can’t deny this East Bay woman’s rich, full life
Christina Remson may just be one of the happiest women on Earth — despite the hand life has dealt her. Born with Down syndrome 34 years-ago to Brentwood parents Mirna and Eric Remson, Christina greets everyone she meets with smiles and open arms and she doesn’t let challenges get in her way. There’s almost nothing she won’t try or dream of trying.
“I have always tried to be open-minded and try new things, such as art classes, dance recitals, Zumba, swimming and horseback riding lessons,” she said. “I participated in the Special Olympics, babysitting and safety classes. I was part of a quinceañera and was a bubble fairy in my cousin’s wedding. I even caught a bouquet in a wedding!”
She’s also active in programs such as the Aktion Club of East Contra Costa County, serving the special-needs community under the umbrella of Kiwanis International.
“It is a service club and we volunteer in the community,” said Remson, who was born in San Jose and moved to Brentwood with her family at age 11. “We also fundraise and donate to nonprofit places.”
Christina does her best to live a healthy lifestyle too.
“I have a healthier lifestyle with better food choices and exercise. I’ve lost 25 pounds!” she said.
With the weight loss, modeling for the American Heart Association followed.
“My greatest love and privilege is to participate several times in a fashion show fundraising event in Brentwood associated with the American Heart Association,” she said. “I feel beautiful modeling with nice outfits and make-up. This event is put together by a heart attack survivor, Allison Harris.”
Christina’s parents and 36-year-old brother, Eric, could not be more proud of everything she’s accomplished in life so far.
“I believe I have influenced Christina to reach for the stars, always telling her to work hard and do her best,” said Mirna, who was born in Venezuela and had the opportunity to attend college in the United States at
age 24.
“My husband and I have always told her that she might take a little longer to accomplish things, but it is OK,” she said.
While pregnant with her second child, Mirna had no idea Christina had Down syndrome — a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.
“It was difficult at first. She had a heart problem and had surgery when she was 5 months old, but now she is doing very well,” Mirna said.
Fortunate to be a stayat-home mom to give more time to her daughter, Mirna offers advice to parents of children with special needs.
“Have high but realistic expectations,” she said. “Do not limit your child. Expose them to different situations to get experience. Join a club. Volunteering makes them feel valued and helpful but ultimately (helps them) to become a happy and loving person.”
Currently taking a drama and acting class and a fitness class in a program called Be Exceptional by Lynda Green at the Brentwood Community Center, Christina has also participated in Football Camp for the Stars, a program supported by NFL players. With all of her volunteer work, classes and clubs, she’s not able to fit in college or employment. Her hobbies also keep her busy.
“I love to do puzzles, crafts, painting on canvas, math, cursive writing and reading,” she said. “I like to listen to music, dance, exercise, Zumba, cheerleading, movies, anything Disney, travel and eat out. I love Arabic food and Venezuelan food, especially the Arepas my mom makes, and Starbuck’s Refreshers.”
Christina’s advice to those with Down syndrome is simple.
“Keep going forward with your dreams and do what you like in life,” she said. “Try hard, be respectful, volunteer and love and respect your family.”
Her latest dream she hopes to one day realize is to get her own place at Sunflower Hill, a nonprofit residential housing facility for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — similar to senior living facilities — to live, work, learn and thrive. Mirna said it’s a community that enables lifelong living to include a safe quality of living in an environment that supports social, vocational, educational and recreational programs. Unfortunately her application to live in Sunflower Hill’s Tri-Valley location was not accepted, so the family hopes another location will be the one.
“I would like to live in Sunflower Hill because I would like to be independent but with the support of my family, (to have) new experiences and to meet new people,” she said.
Christina once caught a 20-pound salmon in Canada, she’s traveled afar to many places outside America, including Angel Falls in Venezuela and she’s been in three books for those with Down syndrome, but her bucket list doesn’t stop there.
“Christina wants to be famous and go to “The Voice” and meet Kelly Clarkson,” Mirna said. “And she wants to meet Richard Simmons too. She loves his tapes!”