Family Spotlight: The Duren Family’s Heart for Community and Celebration

‍Let’s give a standing ovation to The Duren Family — Ross, Elizabeth, Parker, and their joyful 4-year-old self-advocate, Gentry — for being DSACO’s top fundraising team for the Down Syndrome Festival & 5K for the past few years!

Hailing from Mustang, Oklahoma, the Durens are a fun-loving, faith-filled crew who believe in living life to the fullest. Whether they’re exploring farmers markets, going on family adventures, cheering on their favorite sports teams, or embracing their Chickasaw heritage, the Durens make it a point to create meaningful memories together.

To them, being part of the DSACO community is more than just participation — it’s connection. “It’s nice to have a group who just gets it with zero explanation,” they shared. That sense of belonging and shared understanding is what continues to fuel their passion and involvement year after year.

Gentry, the youngest Duren, is full of personality and progress! At just four years old, she’s started counting to 10 and singing her ABCs — milestones worth every celebration. Her favorite pastimes? Dancing and singing along to Disney songs with a joy that lights up every room she enters.

We are so proud to highlight the Duren Family — not only for their incredible fundraising efforts, but for the love and light they bring to the Down syndrome community.

Way to go, Durens! Your impact is felt far and wide, and we’re grateful to walk alongside you.