Grammy-nominated singer Rachael Lampa has become an outspoken advocate for those with Down syndrome following the birth of her son Leo in 2022.
Earlier this year, Lampa released a song called “Superpowers,” written especially to honor Leo, who has Down syndrome. The lyrics say:
There’s nothing down about you, no matter what they say.
You were born with a lotta heart, a great big smile on your little face.
And if the world can’t see it, then maybe they should change,
cause anything that they call a flaw is anything but a mistake.
The refrain continues:
Whatever they said was wrong about you;
couldn’t have been more wrong about you;
standing up to all the doubters;
you’re the one with superpowers.
Lampa talked about writing the song as an antidote to all of the misconceptions that people typically hold against those with Down syndrome.
“The story behind Superpowers is basically just renaming all these things society has named as flaws or imperfections. I actually see them as superpowers,” she explained. “Some might say he’s developing slower or he should be doing this or that. I just think he’s putting his time and strength into being loving, being joyful, being resilient, being strong—these are the things he’s focusing on, and to me, those are superpowers.”
Lampa has openly discussed Leo’s diagnosis, sharing often on Instagram about the joy he brings to her family and the way he has changed her life for the better. She’s mentioned that Leo is “still the baby I’d always hoped and dreamed of – he’s just a little bit more.”
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In an interview with The Lion, she sympathized with parents who feel overwhelmed upon receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis, while offering encouragement for those in that situation.
“I’ve been there. I have been in that exact spot,” she said. “And I let myself cry, and I let myself have that phase… And then, when that wave was over, it was, ‘Alright, let’s get to work. Let’s start reading up. Let’s start figuring out what’s next.’ And then after that, was just this wave of joy and excitement and peace.”
She also emphasized that parents should let “God speak to you in each phase of your process.”
“You can be sad, you can be mad, you can be frustrated, you can be excited,” she said. “You can be all the things.”
Lampa wrote on social media in March:
I could’ve never imagined that my life could be so flipped upside down in the most steadying way. That everything would change, but also stay the same. That I could feel like peaceful river while also having a roaring lion inside ready to defend and make a way if there isn’t one.
She added, “I am changed by Leo. I am changed by his Down Syndrome diagnosis. I have never felt so at home in myself and in my heart. Happy World Down Syndrome Day to all and I hope you enjoy, dance, laugh, cry, post, and tag me as we shout about the Superpowers of our loved ones!!”
