Affectionately known as Betsy, my beloved sister Bethsaida Méndez was born on January 5, 1980—the youngest of five children and the answer to a prayer I had whispered many times. With four younger brothers already, I longed for a sister, and when my parents announced her arrival, my heart overflowed with joy.

Her birth, however, came early—at just 37 weeks—and with complications that turned our joy into worry. We didn’t know what the future would hold, but we prayed fiercely for her health and strength. From the very beginning, Betsy was different. She was special. She was my baby sister, and I loved her deeply.

At the time, I had never met anyone with Down syndrome. I didn’t even know what it meant. But I quickly dove into learning everything I could. I wanted my parents—and the world—to see what I saw: that Betsy was a gift. A blessing. A radiant soul who would change our lives forever.

Betsy’s journey wasn’t easy. She faced challenges that would have discouraged many, but she met them with courage, laughter, and a spirit that lit up every room. She learned to walk, to eat on her own, and to express her joy through singing, praising, and laughing—always loudly, always wholeheartedly. Though learning became harder as she grew older, her determination never wavered. She was a fighter. A survivor. A beacon of love in our family.

On April 15, 2019, Betsy passed away peacefully in her sleep. Though she is no longer with us physically, her light continues to shine in our hearts and in everything we do. She was our joy, our teacher, our inspiration.

I walk in her honor through the Step Up Walk—not just to remember her, but to celebrate the incredible potential of every child and adult with Down syndrome. My hope is to spread awareness, foster understanding, and support the dreams of those who, like Betsy, can do anything they set their minds to.