A Karen Heart Foundation

A Karen Heart Foundation offers an array of services to individuals aged eighteen and over depending on their needs.

Atlanta’s first Santa with Down syndrome brings representation, joy, and holiday magic to families

12/23/2025

What a powerful reminder of what inclusion truly looks like. Representation matters. Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the magic of Christmas. This Santa isn’t just spreading holiday cheer—he’s spreading hope, pride, and possibility.

We are all so incredibly proud of you, Bradley. Merry Christmas, and keep making us proud! 💓🎄🎅🏼

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/community/atlantas-first-santa-with-down-syndrome-brings-representation-joy-and-holiday-magic-to-families/85-8eb5914d-f7fb-49bd-9bfc-2daf84db1ad2?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_11Alive&fbclid=IwZnRzaAO3tERleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEemGHkt0uuu-cjhTHqaXGxw_9wAi5DYUmKzK5bo5FXqw_EVTegpBQKwymkVnQ_aem_MtAsTsQlHjV34wTLAn0_lQ

Atlanta’s first Santa with Down syndrome brings representation, joy, and holiday magic to families For families at the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, meeting Santa this year meant something deeper: seeing their children reflected in the magic.

🕊️ His name is Victor Perez. He’s a 17-year-old boy. He’s autistic., non-speaking, and has cerebral palsy. Now, he has been declared brain dead because he was shot by police.
Victor was in crisis. He was holding a kitchen knife. He needed care, not bullets. He needed protection, not punishment.
According to the 911 caller’s father:
“They never once asked, ‘What is the situation, how can we help?’ They ran up with their guns drawn, they triggered a mentally disabled person to react and when he reacted... they shot him.”
Victor was shot nine times.
His leg was amputated. He needed support. Instead, he was treated as disposable.
This never should have happened. Victor deserved: 💛 Safety 💛 Dignity 💛 To be seen as fully human
This is what ableism and state violence look like. When disability is met with fear. When neurodivergence is met with force. When disabled children are seen as threats instead of kids.
Say his name: Victor Perez Honor his life. Uplift his story. Rage at the injustice. Demand better—for all our children.
 Are we creating a world where kids like Victor are safe? Or one where they’re seen as dangerous for being different?
Let his story shift you. Let it move you. Let it fuel change.

04/13/2025

Rest in Power, Victor Perez
A bright, autistic teen whose life was tragically taken far too soon. Victor deserved understanding, protection, and a future full of promise. We stand with his family and the community in demanding justice and accountability. Neurodivergent lives matter. His story cannot be forgotten.

🕊️ His name is Victor Perez. He’s a 17-year-old boy. He’s autistic., non-speaking, and has cerebral palsy. Now, he has been declared brain dead because he was shot by police. Victor was in crisis. He was holding a kitchen knife. He needed care, not bullets. He needed protection, not punishment. According to the 911 caller’s father: “They never once asked, ‘What is the situation, how can we help?’ They ran up with their guns drawn, they triggered a mentally disabled person to react and when he reacted... they shot him.” Victor was shot nine times. His leg was amputated. He needed support. Instead, he was treated as disposable. This never should have happened. Victor deserved: 💛 Safety 💛 Dignity 💛 To be seen as fully human This is what ableism and state violence look like. When disability is met with fear. When neurodivergence is met with force. When disabled children are seen as threats instead of kids. Say his name: Victor Perez Honor his life. Uplift his story. Rage at the injustice. Demand better—for all our children.  Are we creating a world where kids like Victor are safe? Or one where they’re seen as dangerous for being different? Let his story shift you. Let it move you. Let it fuel change.