Charlotte Woodward poses with her famous cupcakes after her presentation on Friday. Photo by Reena Singh.
When Charlotte Woodward was born, her mother thought she was the most wonderful baby in the world. And she still thinks so.
Charlotte, who is 24 today, was born with high functioning down syndrome and has been subjected to nearly a lifetime of heart problems. Despite the adversity she has faced, she is raising money through bake sales just to give back to those who have helped her.
She spoke to a small group at TaxServ’s McLean office Friday about her story.
“We all face challenges and we all face difficulties,” said managing director Daniel Kusic.
Charlotte, Fairfax, had five open heart surgeries and one heart transplant starting at 5 months old. She said heart conditions affect half of those with Downs Syndrome.
“I was a very eager learner,” she said.
She learned how to read after at 3 and a half years old. When she was in high school, she was on the honor roll all four years she attended. Currently, she attends Northern Virginia Community College and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
“I want to give back to the world and help others,” she said. “We only have one life to live.”
The funds that she raises during her annual bake sales, where she sells her homemade cookies and cupcakes, are donated to both Fairfax Inova, where she received the heart transplant, and Doctors Without Borders.
“It stems from my grandmother who was a wonderful baker herself,” said Charlotte about how she got into baking.
She hopes to transfer to a four year school after she gets her associates degree and one day start a family.
Her mother, Darcy, said she was nervous when Charlotte was scheduled for her open heart surgery. The donation was available only after being on the national list for 11 days.
“It was the unknown,” said Darcy. “I never knew anyone who needed an open heart surgery. It was overwhelming, but Charlotte took it in stride and inspired a lot of people.”
Kermit Rosenberg, Annadale, came to the presentation because his future daughter-in-law has a 28-year-old sister with Down Syndrome.
“I didn’t know there were different levels of intelligence and functionings with Downs,” he said. “Her accomplishments are significant by any standard. She’s a natural politician. Very sociable and a people person.”
Stuart Skok, Rockville, said she came to the presentation because she has a son with Down Syndrome.
“It’s hard,” she said. “I needed some inspiration. I have a lot more hope. It’s nice to know that it’s supposed to be hard.”