BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge’s own Indy Couvillion will light up the heart of New York City this weekend, taking her place on the iconic screens of Times Square during the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video Presentation.
On Saturday, September 6, Indy’s photo will appear among more than 500 images of children, teens, and adults with Down Syndrome from across the globe. Chosen from more than 2,600 entries, the images showcase joy, strength, and individuality in one of the most visible locations in the world.
Indy, who is just 2 years old, is affectionately known as a “heart warrior.” She was born on October 23, 2022, with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and a congenital heart condition known as a complete AV canal defect. At only six months old, she underwent open-heart surgery at Ochsner New Orleans, spending five days in the hospital recovering. Today, she is thriving and full of energy.
Her mother, Cara Couvillion, says Indy is a happy, spirited little girl who loves swimming, dancing, music, being outside, and spending time with her big sister, Ruby.
“She’s been thriving since her surgery,” Couvillion shared. “We’re so excited that Indy will be featured in Times Square. It’s such a beautiful way to celebrate her life and the lives of so many others in the Down syndrome community.”
The one-hour video presentation, supported by ClearChannel Outdoor, will be broadcast on two Jumbotron screens above the Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The event will also be livestreamed on Sept. 6th on the NDSS Facebook page from 8:30–9:30 a.m. CST (9:30 a.m. ET)
The Times Square celebration serves as the official kickoff to the New York City Buddy Walk®, held in Central Park later that morning. Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has united families, friends, and advocates in support of individuals with Down Syndrome. Today, more than 150 Buddy Walk® events take place nationwide and internationally.
For the Couvillion family, this weekend will be a milestone moment.
“We can’t wait to see Indy’s big smile on those giant screens,” Couvillion said. “She’s our joy, and we’re so proud she gets to represent Baton Rouge in such a special way.”
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