In April 2020, Todd and Alyssa Perrault welcomed Noah, their third child. Noah was born with Down Syndrome, and it quickly became clear that Noah’s condition would require additional care and resources for him, as well as for Todd and Alyssa that were both unfamiliar and at times, very overwhelming. Fortunately, Todd and Alyssa are part of a very close-knit family that immediately pitched in to educate themselves on what Noah needed.
The odds of having a child with Down Syndrome is approximately 1 in every 700 babies born, or around 6,000 children per year. In general terms, the cause is a genetic abnormality that affects the child's chromosomes. Chromosomes are found in every human cell and consist of thousands of genes. People typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and each pair is given a number between 1 and 23; people with Down Syndrome are born with three, rather than two, copies of chromosome 21. Scientists cannot pinpoint why this extra chromosome appears or how many factors play a role in its appearance.
Todd is Vice President at Kenco Development. The business started by Shane, Todd’s brother, also includes their two sisters husbands, Mat and Kevin. The story of Noah’s Way started at Kenco Development. The company is the vehicle for not only great success, but a lot of camaraderie and family events that includes the wives and kids of the Perrault family as well as the extended Kenco Family. It was only natural that this thriving family business would dedicate itself to the support of families who receive this sometimes difficult, and often financially significant diagnosis.
Children with Down Syndrome are at a much higher risk for medical complications, especially in the first year of life. Common medical conditions for children with Down Syndrome include stomach and digestive issues, immune system problems, hormonal disorders, skeletal problems, hearing loss, vision problems, height and weight restrictions, skin disorders, behavioral and psychological problems, and sleep apnea. Major complications can include heart defects and blood disorders.
Not only is this emotionally stressful, but the financial impact is significant, and often unplanned. Additional costs can include insurance deductibles, co-pays, emergency care, prescription costs, specialty car seats and medical equipment, inpatient and outpatient care, surgeries, etc.
At Kenco Development, we have seen firsthand the financial toll that families encounter when their child is born with Down Syndrome. Noah’s Way is dedicated to helping families address some of the financial hardships they may face so they can focus on the business of being a family.
Because most children will not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits until they reach the age of 18, Noah’s Way is focused on families with children under the age of 18.
Our process is simple, simply go to the APPLY page, download the application, fill it out and then email it to us. Families are selected at random, depending on the funds available.
Because we fund raise all year, we are able to provide support as people apply.