I’m Alicia, the founder of HappyDowns — and a family caregiver myself. My journey began not just with love for my sibling, but with the realization that caregivers often get overlooked. I created HappyDowns to change that.
My Story
Growing up in Jamaica, I learned firsthand the joys and challenges of caring for a loved one with Down Syndrome. Over time, I saw how caregivers — siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles — carry invisible responsibilities that can feel heavy.
I wanted to build a space where caregivers could be honest about those challenges, while also finding encouragement and practical solutions.
Why HappyDowns Exists
HappyDowns is my way of saying: you matter too.
- Caregiving isn’t just about sacrifice — it’s about living your best life while helping your loved one live theirs.
- You deserve resources, community, and encouragement that speak directly to your journey.
- You don’t have to do this alone.
My Work Beyond HappyDowns
In addition to building this community, I’ve written books that speak directly to caregivers’ needs. Each one is designed to give you practical tools and emotional reassurance you can return to again and again:
- The Must‑Have Guide for Sibling Caregivers: 4 Vital Lessons to Help You Thrive — practical lessons to help siblings navigate boundaries, guilt, and identity.
- The Activity Book for Sibling Caregivers: Stress Relief at Your Fingertips — puzzles, coloring, and activities to bring stress relief and fun into the caregiving journey.
- The Sibling Caregiver Venting Journal: Where All Emotions Are Valid — a safe space to release emotions and process the ups and downs of caregiving.
- An Inspirational Coloring Book for Family Caregivers — positive affirmations and stress‑relief activities for all family caregivers.
- The Important Information Organizer for Family Caregivers — a practical tool to keep vital information organized for emergencies and future planning.
These books grew out of my own experiences and the needs I saw in the caregiver community. They’re companions for your journey, offering both encouragement and structure.
I’m not just the founder of HappyDowns — I’m walking this path with you. My hope is that when you visit this site, you feel seen, supported, and reminded that your caregiving journey is valuable.
With care,
Alicia
Hi Alicia,
This information will help a lot of caregivers and family members I’m sure; thanks for sharing!
Hi Marielle,
Thank you for visiting HappyDowns. Thank you so much for the encouragement and I do hope many families will find help here at HappyDowns.
Cheers.
Hi Alicia, it’s wonderful to read all about you and Shadeza , the love and concerns indeed is very touching. I’m very positive this will shed a lot of light on down syndrome children and will be a great start to a well needed cause. Information and exposure is important and this is great from the website you’ve shared. I’m sure this will be very powerful and change the way society view our children.
Thank you Janet for stopping by HappyDowns. It is my sincere hope that this website will be a source of encouragement and help for many families.
Cheers!
Hi Alicia,
Congratulations on starting this site. Seems that it will be interesting to follow.
Hi Pat,
Thank you for your encouragement. Please stop by every now and then to see what we’re up to here at HappyDowns.
Take care!
I am reading things that are contradictory to information from the medical profession, e.g. There are at least 3 instances where paternity tests proved that the father was indeed a man with Down Syndrome. Then I read: According to American Pregnancy Association,
there has been no evidence that a man with down syndrome has fathered a child. Where do you obtain your information? Who are the experts behind these statements you are making? I think it is important that we know the research behind your answers.
Hi Karen.
Thanks for visiting HappyDowns. I believe you will find the following links helpful:
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/misconceptions-vs-reality/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21806650/#:~:text=Abstract,by%20fathers%20with%20Down%20syndrome.
Take care.