Help Save The Guardian

From:The National Downs Syndrome Society
Date:April 6, 2004

The CBS primetime show THE GUARDIAN, which features an ongoing plot about Down syndrome, is in danger of being cancelled. The show began to delve into the many complex issues facing new parents of a child with Down syndrome in the February 2004 episode titled "All is Mended." In the episode, characters Nick and Lulu learn through amniocentesis that their unborn child is diagnosed with Down syndrome. As they struggle with this unexpected news, they learn about the abilities of people with Down syndrome by taking on the legal case of a young man with this condition and helping him with a theatrical audition. Subsequent episodes have dealt with establishing special needs trusts and other preparations for having a child with Down syndrome. With the birth growing closer and the 2004 season coming to a close, THE GUARDIAN has not been renewed by CBS and has been mentioned in the media as a show that might be cancelled.

The producers of THE GUARDIAN have proven through these recent episodes that they plan to handle the plot about Down syndrome in a responsible and sensitive manner. They have worked to ensure that their representation is accurate and realistic. If THE GUARDIAN is renewed for the 2004/2005 season, issues affecting the Down syndrome community will continue to receive high visibility with a national primetime audience. The public awareness that can be generated through this type of show is considerable!

If you want to urge CBS to renew THE GUARDIAN, you can contact them in the following ways:

MAIL:
Nancy Tellem
President
CBS Entertainment
7800 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

EMAIL:
Go to CBS.com Click on "Feedback" at the bottom of the home page.