Honoring and Celebrating a Beloved Sister

We are excited to announce that a photo of the sister of our very own occupational therapist, Katie Frank, will appear in the bright lights of Times Square on Saturday, September 6, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video Presentation. The one-hour video of 500 photographs includes children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 11 countries. These collective images highlight individuals with Down syndrome in the most visible way – on two screens in the heart of Times Square.

The photo of Tori was selected from more than 2,600 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Her photo will be shown on two Jumbotron screens thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The two screens are above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The presentation will be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30am CDT on September 6.

Tori is the motivation behind Katie’s work, and the entire Frank family is honored for her photo to be shared. Tori passed away in 1987 right before her 3rd birthday and her light continues to shine brightly each day in the work Katie does for the Down syndrome community.

After working at the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome in Cincinnati, Katie moved to Chicago and earned her PhD in Disability Studies. She then joined the Adult Down Syndrome Center, where she has worked for nine years. Katie provides occupational therapy evaluations and treatment as well as facilitates groups for teens and adults with Down syndrome. She also conducts trainings for staff, families, and caregivers, and presents nationally and internationally on Down syndrome. She is an active and long-time member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA and has served as the Board President.

To this day, Katie keeps photos of Tori on her desk and bulletin board – a daily reminder of the purpose and motivation behind her work. “Even in the three short years of her life, Tori had such an impact on me,” Katie says. “It means so much to be recognized and to be able to honor my sister, because she really is the reason that I do what I do.”

Update 9/10/2025

Katie is grateful for all the support and kind comments she has received. She shared this photo of Tori on the big screens in Times Square!