Authors Bryan and Tom Lambke Speak Out About Down Syndrome

Bryan Lambke has Down Syndrome, but that doesn't mean that he is dumb or stupid or can't enjoy the same things that other young men his age like. He and his father, Tom, collaborated on the book I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance to teach how, in many ways, those with Down Syndrome are just like the rest of us. They have hopes and dreams and feelings. Combining photographs with Bryan's own words, the book speaks from his point of view. I requested and received a copy of the book for review from Five Star Publications. Here, Tom and Bryan share even more.

Why did you choose to create this book?

Tom - After completing my first book, I realized there was more about Bryan that needed to be shared, specifically his disability. We wrote it to change people's misconceptions about DS and to educate the public.

Tom, please tell us about your other book.

SPIRIT, COURAGE and RESOLVE ... a Special Olympics Athlete's Road to Gold ( www.spiritcourageresolve.com ) tells of my wife, Karen, and I meeting, getting married and having our kids and raising them. It culminates with our trip to Ireland for the 2003 Special Olympcs Summer World Games as Bryan's partner in Unified bowling and coming home with gold medals. My family and I have experienced so much because of Bryan that I decided to share it with others by writing a book.

Do either of you have any plans to write any other books?

Tom - I have actually started three more books but I am not sure when or if I will ever have the time to finish any of them! Bryan wants me to write a book about his special sister, Shauna, who has meant so much to him throughout his life. I want to write about animals with disabilities as we have a German Shepherd with three legs and he has taught us so much. And because I have been an umpire for over forty years, I would like to write about all the silly cliches that most of us hear each day or night and I already have a title - YOU OWE US ONE BLUE - since that is what many players say and think after a close call.

What is your ultimate goal for this book?

Tom - The goal of I JUST AM was to simply educate others about Down syndrome specifically and disabilities in general. The ultimate goal would be to find ourselves on Oprah or Ellen publicizing the book!

Bryan, what are your favorite sports?

Bryan - Swimming, bowling, basketball and kayaking.

What is your favorite current TV show?

Not so much current but he likes Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends and King of Queens, but he also loves watching baseball and hockey.

What other bands do you like besides Aerosmith?

Bryan - AC/DC, Green Day, U2 - ROCK 'N ROLL!

What is the biggest misunderstanding or stereotype about Down Syndrome?

Tom - That they are stupid. Believe me, people with DS are NOT stupid. There are even people who think that it is contagious! Now THAT is stupid!

What was the greatest celebrity encounter?

Tom - Besides meeting Eunice Kennedy Shriver, meeting and becoming friends with another one of our heroes - Chris Burke - from the TV show, LIFE GOES ON. But we have also met people like Sargent Shriver (Eunice's husband), Rob Lowe, Carl Lewis, Minnieme, David Hasselhoff, the GO-GOs, Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas, Kurt Warner and many others.

How did you feel when Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away?

Tom - We all felt terrible as we have always looked at Eunice as one of our heroes. We have been lucky to have had the chance to speak with her at a Best Buddies Bike Challenge and she was most gracious. Eunice actually kept a copy of I JUST AM that we had given to her on her desk in Washington, DC up until her death. She was one special lady who has a son, Anthony, who is the founder of Best Buddies and who shares the same passions as his mother for people with disabilities.

What was the best concert you ever went to?

Bryan - Aerosmith, but AC/DC, U2 and the Rolling Stones rank up there as well.

What are your biggest hopes and dreams?

Bryan - I want to be more independent, maybe live on my own someday.

Share more about your involvement in Special Olympics.

Tom - Bryan has been participating in Special Olympics since he was eight. He started doing track and field, running in the 50 meter dash and doing the softball throw. He now bowls throughout the year in SO leagues, swims in the summer, plays basketball in the winter and enjoys kayaking with me whenever we have the time. He has won dozens of medals but the gold medal from the Ireland World Games is his most cherished.

What is your greatest personal achievement?

Bryan - a tie between winning the gold medal in Ireland in 2003 and getting inducted into the City of Chandler Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. Tom - a three way tie between having a wonderful family, writing two books and being invited, along with Bryan, to speak at this year's Down Syndrome World Congress in Ireland this past August.

How do you mark Down Syndrome Awareness month?

Tom - We participate in the annual Buddy Walk for Down syndrome (Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk) that is part of the ASU Homecoming parade.

Do you work in other ways to raise awareness? T

Tom - We do school and group talks regularly, from kindergarteners to adults, where we try to educate others about DS, and also discuss IEPs and Guardianships. We have regular speaking engagements at ASU and are part of Awareness Day at the high school where I work.

Tom and Bryan, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me and for creating such a wonderful book.