User:Natalie me/Josephine Mills

Josephine "Jo" Mills (1942-2008) spent more than 30 years of her life diligently fighting for greater awareness, support, education, and information so that children with Down syndrome could be helped to reach their individual portential. She was born in Stoke on Trent, England on March 25th, 1942. She lost her 2 year battle with Leukemia and passed away on May 18, 2008. In her lifetime Jo recieved several awards recognizing her contributions as an advocate for people with Down syndrome.

List of awards and recognition:
 * 1999 Service Award - Down Syndrome International
 * Who's Who of Canadian Women
 * 1999 Nominee for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award
 * 2001 Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award from Simon Fraser University
 * 2004 Lady of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem under the authority of the late Pope John Paul II
 * 2006 BC Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal
 * 2007 Order of Canada

Jo was involved in founding:
 * 1984 Ups and Downs Parent Support Group (co-founder)
 * 1987 Candadian Down Syndrome Society
 * 1993 Down Syndrome International (co-founder)
 * 1995 Down Syndrome Research Foundation (founder)