Authors Bryan and Tom Lambke Speak Out About Down Syndrome

Authors of I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance

Bryan Lambke has Down Syndrome, but that doesn't mean that he is dumb or stupid or can't enjoy the same things that other young men his age like. He and his father, Tom, collaborated on the book I Just Am:  A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance to teach how, in many ways, those with Down Syndrome are just like the rest of us. They have hopes and dreams and feelings. Combining photographs with Bryan's own words, the book speaks from his point of view. I requested and received a copy of the book for review from Five Star Publications. Here, Tom and Bryan share even more.

Why did you choose to create this book?

Tom - After completing my first book, I realized there was more about Bryan that needed to be shared, specifically his disability. We wrote it to change people's misconceptions about DS and to educate the public.

Tom, please tell us about your other book.

SPIRIT, COURAGE and RESOLVE ... a Special Olympics Athlete's Road to Gold ( www.spiritcourageresolve.com ) tells of my wife, Karen, and I meeting, getting married and having our kids and raising them. It culminates with our trip to Ireland for the 2003 Special Olympcs Summer World Games as Bryan's partner in Unified bowling and coming home with gold medals. My family and I have experienced so much because of Bryan that I decided to share it with others by writing a book.

Do either of you have any plans to write any other books?

Tom - I have actually started three more books but I am not sure when or if I will ever have the time to finish any of them! Bryan wants me to write a book about his special sister, Shauna, who has meant so much to him throughout his life. I want to write about animals with disabilities as we have a German Shepherd with three legs and he has taught us so much. And because I have been an umpire for over forty years, I would like to write about all the silly cliches that most of us hear each day or night and I already have a title - YOU OWE US ONE BLUE - since that is what many players say and think after a close call.

What is your ultimate goal for this book?