It was almost 6 years ago that I first I accepted the position of President of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA. Since then, we’ve filed amicus briefs in key legal battles regarding the rights of those with Down syndrome. We’ve released educational materials like the Handbook on the Human Embryo to inform the public about the facts on life. We piloted medical care options for those with Down syndrome in the United States. And we have always been committed to standing against the culture of death, and highlighting the latest scientific developments and inspiring stories about those with Down syndrome.
Last year, with your support, we were thrilled to be part of the historic victory for life with the defeat of the abominably evil Roe vs. Wade precedent. It’s been an honor to be at the helm as so many exciting legal developments continue to transpire.
The pro-life movement in America has entered a new era. And as Providence would have it, so have I.
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that “to everything there is a season.” I’ve been profoundly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to further the pro-life cause and support the Down syndrome community over the past six years. But that season is now coming to an end.
It is with a heart full of gratitude that I share my decision to retire from my role as President of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA.
As JLF USA enters this new chapter, I am pleased to announce that my good friend and fellow board member Daniel Schreck will be serving as the new President of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA. In addition to his membership on JLF USA’s Board of Directors, Daniel served on the National Council on Disability from 2020-2022 after being appointed by President Donald J. Trump. He brings unmatched experience and passion to the Foundation as a man of faith and the proud father of a little girl with Down syndrome named Rose.
I am humbled and honored by Daniel’s willingness to step up and assume this responsibility and guide JLF USA into a new era as we increase our focus on medical care.
Daniel Schreck
The late Madame Birthe Lejeune
As I look back on all that we’ve accomplished in scientific research, care, and advocacy, I know that none of it would have been possible without the help of everyone who has come alongside me – from Keith Mason and our board of directors to my good friend the late Madame Birthe Lejeune, wife of Venerable Pr. Jerome Lejeune. I also thank my family for their support and am proud to share that my wife Marie-Ange and all eight of our children are actively pro-life across the nation.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank YOU, our supporters, for helping make all our work possible.
Throughout all my years as President of JLF USA, there’s one experience that will stay with me forever. While I was on pilgrimage to Greece, I encountered a man who was surprised by the amount of time I was spending to defend our little ones with Down syndrome. He told me I was wasting my time – that the lives of those with Down syndrome were not worth living.
Then a few years later, he called me out of the blue to let me know that his wife was pregnant, and the child had Down syndrome. She wanted to abort the baby, but he wasn’t sure. After a series of phone calls with Keith Mason and me, the gentleman finally realized something. “I’m a father and this is my son… and I know I have to protect my son,” he said.
This was a beautiful story of life not only because the man stood strong to protect his son – but because he had a change of heart. And that is what gives me hope.
Every life is worth living. And every life is worth fighting for – because every human being is created in the image of God.
With my time at JLF USA coming to a close, I know that conviction will continue to guide the foundation in all it does with Daniel Schreck at the helm. Though I will miss you all, I’m excited for what the future holds for JLF USA and will keep you all, the foundation, and our brethren with Down syndrome in my prayers.
In His Love,
David G. Lejeune, President
Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA
