Alexandrian Joins Sister, GLOBAL Ambassador Crystal Muro, at Star-Studded AcceptAbility Gala in Washington D.C.

Alexandria, VA- On Wednesday, May 20, Alexandrian Liz Mahar will join her sister, 2026 GLOBAL Ambassador Crystal Muro, at the annual AcceptAbility Gala hosted by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation at the JW Marriott Washington, DC.

The high-profile event will bring together celebrities, bipartisan lawmakers, scientists from the National Institutes of Health, philanthropists, advocates, and families from the Down syndrome community for an evening dedicated to advancing life-saving research, medical care, education, and advocacy.

Mahar, who has lived in Alexandria for over 12 years and is a longtime supporter of GLOBAL, says “I’m overwhelmed with joy to stand alongside Crystal on the Global AcceptAbility stage on Wednesday. Crystal just celebrated a big birthday – 40! It’s a special moment for the guests in the room to learn about Crystal’s story and the special person she is to her family, friends, and colleagues. Crystal is a kind individual with a heart of gold and resilient spirit. 

Crystal has an uncanny ability to remember people’s birthdays and interests. Crystal is the queen of birthday greetings and maintains an extensive family and friends’ calendar. An avid artist, Crystal always has a stack of paper, pens, and markers at the ready. Lucky friends and family can expect a card containing artwork on most holidays. Once she knows your birthday, you will be sure to get a card, text, or if you’re lucky, a birthday song!”

A Mission Focused on Research, Care, and Advocacy

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. Established formally in 2009, GLOBAL supports the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic institution in the United States focused solely on research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome remains one of the least-funded genetic conditions in the United States, making advocacy and federal funding a critical part of GLOBAL’s mission. Through its leadership and coalition-building efforts, NIH funding for Down syndrome research and medical care has increased by more than $440 million over the last seven years.

Celebrating Progress and Advancing Legislation

This year’s AcceptAbility Gala will celebrate those achievements while continuing to push forward transformative legislation, including the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, aimed at improving health outcomes and extending the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Performances, Honorees, and Notable Guests Highlight a Night of Music, Advocacy, and Bipartisan Leadership

The evening will feature a performance by Rachel Platten, the Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist behind the anthem “Fight Song,” as well as a special dance performance from Annapolis soloist Robert Wallop and the inclusive dance team RhythmXpress.

GLOBAL will also present its highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, to Shelley Moore Capito and Paul D. Tonko for their bipartisan leadership supporting Down syndrome research, medical care, and public policy initiatives.

Among the celebrity guests expected to attend are John Roberts, who will serve as emcee alongside Kyra Phillips; Caterina Scorsone, GLOBAL’s international spokesperson and advocate; Chuck Todd; and Autria Godfrey.

Also participating will be GLOBAL President and CEO Michelle Sie Whitten, along with NIH leadership, scientists, corporate partners, members of Congress, self-advocates with Down syndrome, and their families.

A Celebration of Inclusion and Impact

At its core, the AcceptAbility Gala is a celebration of possibility, achievement, and the power of advocacy — bringing together voices from across politics, entertainment, science, and the community to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome are seen, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.