The X of our Xtra Love logo is shaped like a chromosome to represent the extra chromosome of Down Syndrome. Russell's older brother, Everett, drew the heart when he was four years old, and the tagline is in his handwriting. Our logo and tagline was a family affair. The three arrows represent the third extra chromosome on chromosome #21. They also symbolize moving forward. Russell’s extra chromosome and his extra love are the inspirations behind Xtra Love. The feeling of a hug from Russell when we're sad and no one else in the world knows it, or the warmth we feel from head to toe when he wraps his arms around our necks, or the unconditional love he offers...that extra love is sometimes just enough to let the worries and cares of the moment fall away, a reminder of what really matters in this life. It’s a beautiful motivator to get back on our feet and to do the next right and loving thing.
In 2021, we launched with the Xtra Love t-shirt to support Russell's educational and therapy needs as well as to raise awareness and to celebrate the beautiful lives and love of children with Down Syndrome, spreading more love around our communities and around the world. In March 2023 we have just added the Xtra Love hoodies! In many countries, the low rates of Down Syndrome are reported with pride, and in still others, children with Down Syndrome are neglected and abused in orphanages and mental institutions where they are never given the opportunity to grow and thrive. Here in Taiwan, nearly 100% of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome prenatally are aborted. In 2013 when Russell was born, he was one of only 14 babies on the island born with Down Syndrome. We would love for you to join us in showing extra love and support to families who have children with Down Syndrome and other special needs. We invite you to walk with us on the journey of giving and receiving extra love.
Our dream of loving on and supporting families with a new diagnosis of Down Syndrome in their family has now become a reality with our first family supported in March 2023! The long-term vision of Xtra Love has always been for it to be a non-profit organization, where proceeds will be used to create welcome baskets, which will include gifts and supportive resources, for families who have a new diagnosis of Down Syndrome. We want them to know that though the journey can be scary and unknown, it is also beautiful and full of joy, and that they are loved and not alone. If you would like to be a part of this project, please contact me! See the "Families Supported by Xtra Love" tab for more information about the family we are currently supporting. Subscribe to our newsletter for more opportunities to support more families coming soon.
Unborn Baby to Mom
Gloria Hsu is the founder of xtralove.me. She is wife to childhood sweetheart Clive Hsu and mother to four sons ages 9-17. Gloria and her family live in Taiwan where her husband teaches at Morrison Academy, the school where they grew up together. She is the co-founder of Pregnancy Support Center (PSC) in Taichung, where she served as director for six years and continues to serve on the board of directors. She is currently serving as Client Services Director for English-speaking women contacting PSC with a crisis or unwanted pregnancy. Gloria is also a registered nurse, life coach, parent coach, and certified facilitator of Circle of Security Parenting (COSP). She wants to increase awareness and shine a light on children with Down Syndrome so that Taiwan and the world can see how precious and valuable they are and that raising a child with Down Syndrome doesn't have to be as scary as doctors and the world might lead them to believe. These children are worth fighting for. All children are. "Where there is love, there is courage."
Learn more about PSC in Taiwan at https://pregnancysupport.tw.
Learn more about services offered through her parent coaching at https://connectedfamilies.org.
Learn more about COSP at https://circleofsecurityinternational.com.
Read Gloria's blog at https://uncoveringtreasure.com.