Toddler's Golden Hour Photo to Shine in Times Square

Isabella Wolford, a toddler now two-and-a-half years old, will have her "golden hour" photograph featured on the Times Square Jumbotron on September 12th. This special moment was captured by her father, Justin Wolford, as Isabella was learning to crawl. The photo will be displayed during the National Down Syndrome Society's annual awareness event, which celebrates individuals with Down syndrome.

The Wolford family initially received news of Isabella's Down syndrome diagnosis during pregnancy as "tragic," experiencing a period of grief. However, they soon embraced their daughter, vowing to love and support her. They have since become advocates, connecting with the Down Syndrome Network of West Virginia and the West Virginia Birth to Three program.

Isabella's image was selected from nearly 3,000 entries for the NDSS event, which will feature a live-streamed video of individuals with Down syndrome from across the U.S. and 12 other countries. Her father highlighted the contrast between past institutionalization of individuals with Down syndrome and Isabella's current integrated family life, emphasizing their desire for inclusion and visibility.