Filmmaker Drew Hyttenrauch seized a unique opportunity to produce a significant project and shed light on the growing needs of the Down syndrome community, a cause close to his heart as he cares for his sister, Natalie. The siblings recently collaborated on a commercial shoot in Windsor, Ont., for a Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) campaign during Down Syndrome Week. The campaign highlighted a crucial statistic: in 1950, only one percent of Canadians with Down syndrome lived to 40 years old.
The commercial, featuring Natalie expressing the need for care, aimed to raise awareness about the challenges individuals with Down syndrome encounter as they age. Notably, despite over 30 percent of the population with Down syndrome now being over 40, the healthcare systems have not adapted accordingly. As a response, the CDSS is fundraising to establish a specialized training course to bridge the health equity gap for individuals with Down syndrome.
With over 22,000 Canadians living with Down syndrome, the condition is linked to an extra copy of chromosome 21 and can present various health concerns such as heart conditions, gastrointestinal issues, thyroid problems, and respiratory infections. Drew and Natalie Hyttenrauch, both in their 30s, have firsthand experience with these concerns and aging issues.
Drew, who runs a production company in Windsor, considered this project the most significant and rewarding of his career. Inspired by his personal connection to the cause through his sister, Drew aimed to create a meaningful campaign video that resonated with viewers. The commercial featured individuals with Down syndrome in everyday scenarios to showcase their thriving lives and challenge stereotypes.
The production brought together actors from across Ontario, while the crew was locally sourced, giving the commercial a professional touch despite its grassroots origins. Drew expressed pride in Natalie’s performance, despite her initial reservations about acting. The video captured heartwarming moments of the siblings celebrating their collaboration, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome as they age.
