NORWALK, Conn. - When Justin Piscitell was 10 years old, he and his older sister Lindsey learned that his new born brother Jack had Down Syndrome. Nine years later, Piscitell counts his blessing for having a younger brother like Jack. “He is the happiest, most energetic kid I know. I can hardly keep up with him!”
Justin Piscitell making friends and new fans at STAR Inc. (DAMG photo).
Like most people Piscitell and his parents did not know what
to expect having a child with Downs. So they
turned to STAR, INC. a not-for profit foundation in Norwalk CT.
STAR, Inc. Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization
serving individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities, as well as
providing support services to their families.
STAR provided “Birth to 3” support for Jack and the
Piscitell family. Justin’s dad and step-mom were so taken by the commitment of
STAR that they have been involved with fundraising for the last nine years,
including serving on the board and various committees.
“Dad is really committed to STAR,” Justin observed. “He has
impressed upon me the importance of giving back to the community. We decided
after I won the Skip Barber MAZDASPEED Challenge that I could, through my
racing, become a spokesman for STAR and Down Syndrome and make people aware of
Jack and the other kids with development disabilities, including those with
Down Syndrome.”
Justin will appear to meet individuals served by the
organization.He will also appear with a
race car provided by Skip Barber and in his racing uniform provided by Mazda
Motorsport Development.
“Every time I hear someone complain that they are dealt a
bad hand, I think of my little brother and his condition. He is pure joy!”
