John Cronin and John’s Crazy Socks came out to support the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Adult Summit in Cincinnati. The Adult Summit brings together adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers to learn from experts and leaders on issues of independence and aging.
“The Adult Summit gives me an opportunity to learn and network with other self-advocates,” said John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and a person with Down syndrome.
John’s Crazy Socks supported the Adult Summit in multiple ways. John and his father, Mark X. Cronin, spoke on a panel about starting your own business. They often speak to groups of entrepreneurs and promote entrepreneurialism for people with different abilities. John's mother, Carol Cronin, also spoke on a panel organized by Luminds IDSC about medical research studies. Since John is participating in the LIFE-DSR Study, Carol spoke about the study from a parent’s perspective.
"I am so proud of my Mom," said John.
John's Crazy Socks set up a vendor table selling Down syndrome-related socks that raise money for NDSS. The John’s Crazy Socks table became a hub for John, Mark and Carol to meet attendees and many of the organizations participating in the Adult Summit. Visitors came to take photos with John.
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Adult Summit
The NDSS Adult Summit covers aging and Down syndrome through a whole-person, comprehensive approach. Sessions ranged from addressing medical issues to employment to building social relationships. There was a special self-advocate track. This conference is a great educational opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities, family members, and professionals.
John said, “I really enjoyed the sessions on staying active and living a healthy life and how to date.”
There was plenty of fun too. John went out to dinner with other self-advocates, enjoyed networking events where he connected with self-advocates from across the county and made the most of the big dance held on Friday night.
“You know I love to dance,” said John.
John’s Crazy Socks and NDSS
John and John’s Crazy Socks support NDSS not only through donations, but in many other ways. In 2019, John joined the Board of the National Down Syndrome Society. John and his father, Mark X. Cronin, are part of the NDSS Ambassador’s Program. John and Mark participate in the advocacy and lobbying program supported by NDSS.
Down Syndrome Awareness Socks
John Cronin designed and created the world’s first Down Syndrome Awareness Socks in 2017. Since that time, John has designed many new Down syndrome-themed socks and products, including throw blankets so that John’s Crazy Socks now has a full line of Down Syndrome Awareness products. John’s favorite socks are the Down Syndrome Superhero Socks. Come holiday time, John’s Crazy Socks creates a holiday Down Syndrome Super Box that has products made by companies led by or employing people with Down syndrome.
We donate money from the sale of those socks and products to the National Down Syndrome Society.
John’s Crazy Socks offers a Buddy Walk® sock that raises money for the Buddy Walk® Program. John never misses the NYC Buddy Walk®. John’s Crazy Socks also sponsors a Buddy Walk Fundraising Program that helps local Buddy Walk organizers raise money.
In addition to donations from Down syndrome-themed products, John’s Crazy Socks has helped sponsor the NYC Buddy Walk and donates ‘design a sock with John’ for auction at the annual NDSS Gala.
About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Founded in 1979, theNational Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visitwww.ndss.org to learn more.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $650,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
