Seattle dad embarks on 321-mile bike ride to raise awareness, funds for Down Syndrome Community

Matt Lyman drives 321 miles to Portland in honor of his daughter Phoebe, who has trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Sunday, March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, and a Seattle father is on a mission to ensure more people raise awareness in honor of his 6-year-old daughter.

Matt Lyman went on a three day 321 mile bike ride to raise awareness and resources for the Puget Sound (DSC) Down Syndrome community. The organization provides information, resources, and community events for people and families of people with Down syndrome.

“321 for 3/21” is symbolic as trisomy 21 is the most common type of Down syndrome caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Lyman rides his bike 321 miles from Bellingham to Portland in 3 days. He will reach his destination on March 21st. Lyman has a couple of friends who join him for every stage of the ride.

According to Lyman, the DSC has been an amazing resource for his family and many others in our area and wants to raise funds to give back. However, he also wants to raise awareness of Down syndrome and advocate inclusion.

Lyman’s daughter Phoebe is a lively 6 year old with trisomy 21 who loves all of the same things as her friends. Her father hopes other people can see her for who she is, and not just her perceived differences.

“She is no different from any of us than any other,” said Lyman. “She learns differently and processes the language differently, but she is like any other child.”

“We want to involve people who should all have equal opportunities in school, at work and everywhere,” said Lyman.