About Us

We strive to educate the world on the amazing attributes of those with Down syndrome and raise awareness on how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in the community.

3.21 for Life was created by a group of individuals in Hershey, Pennsylvania who have personal connections to individuals with Down syndrome. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, CAN. They can work, they can play, they can be included and they can be shining stars in our community.

We often hear people ask, “How can I help?” The best way you can help is to Advocate, Educate, Celebrate and Connect.

Pictured from Left to Right: Lauren Talhelm, Lauren Doyle, Jen Kastelic, Jo Ann Pagano, Meg Kutz, Helen Fies, Amy Ward, Ali Tlaxcala, Jen Poust (Not Pictured: Julie Issaacson, Sally Copeland, and Tracy Sullivan)

The Dream Team

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The Dream Team 🌟

Meg Kutz, Co-Founder

  • Meg is the co-founder of 3.21 for Life which was created in October of 2021.

    Her past professional experiences include human resources, management, and higher education. Meg has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire, and an MBA from Duquesne University.

    She has been a board member of the Four Diamonds Fund at the MS Hershey Medical Center, the DREAM Partnership and Aaron’s Acres.  She is active in her community and has helped raise funds for the Lower Dauphin School District, Four Diamonds, mini-THON, and most recently 3.21 For Life.

    Meg lives in Hummelstown with her husband and has three children Ryan, Maggie and Victoria all who play college sports. Meg spends much of her time traveling the country watching college baseball or field hockey. Her biggest inspiration is her daughter Maggie who is 22 years old and the first student athlete with Down syndrome to play Division III college field hockey. 

    She is an avid traveler, reader and loves playing golf. She is passionate about inclusion and finding ways to demonstrate to the world that all individuals with intellectual disabilities have unlimited potential. 

Jo Ann Pagano, Co-Founder

  • Jo Ann Pagano, originally from New Jersey, is the co-founder of 3.21 for Life. Her passion for the organization has been ignited by her daughter Gabriella, who has Down syndrome. Since Gabbi’s birth, Jo Ann has been dedicated to providing her with the best opportunities and nurturing a life rich in inclusion. This personal journey has shaped her advocacy, driving her commitment to the mission of 3.21 for Life.

    With over 30 years of experience in Legal Administration and Project Management at Methfessel & Werbel, Jo Ann’s professional background has been advantageous to achieving the goals and objectives of the organization. She also owns Litigation Support Services in Edison, NJ.


    Now residing in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, with her husband Vince, Jo Ann is proud to watch both of her daughters, Gabbi and Andi, thrive in college. In her spare time, she loves staying active with power walking and gardening. She also has a flair for home decorating, helping friends and family create beautiful spaces. On her daily walks around the neighborhood, you’ll often see her accompanied by her Goldendoodle, Ruby.

Lauren Talhelm, Executive Team

  • Lauren has been in the Down syndrome community since she was 13 years old when her sister Angela was born with an extra 21st chromosome.

    Fast forward 23 years and she now has a son, Hayden, rockin' the extra 21st chromosome as well! She is proud to be the social media manager for 3.21 For Life and also the Jack's Basket Regional Lead Parent in Central PA. Lauren was raised in Hershey/Hummelstown and loves raising her family here. She and her husband Danny enjoy taking Hayden and his sister Natalie on lots of local adventures. Outside of being a mom, Lauren works for both Penn State Health and Hershey Entertainment and Resorts and she enjoys going out to eat - dinner, ice cream, iced coffee - spending time with family, taking pictures and hitting golf balls at the driving range.

Ali Tlaxcala, Executive Team

  • Ali’s roots run deep in the Hershey community and she is incredibly proud to shine a light in Central PA through 3.21 For Life on the Executive Committee. Growing up with a very special Aunt, Susie Peters, who had Down syndrome and was the matriarch of the Peters family, Ali’s involvement in 3.21 For Life is a way for her family to continue to honor Susie’s legacy.

    A 2009 graduate of James Madison University, Ali is a true marketer. She lives by the motto “do what you love, love what you do” and now is the owner and Creative Director of their local family business, Accuwrite Print + Promo. Ali is very passionate about making connections in the local community, firmly believing that collectively we can achieve more, give more and make a positive impact in our corner of the world.

    Ali lives in Hershey with her husband, Dave and two boys Barrett and Bowen. She’s immersed in all things boy including lots of backyard football & wiffle ball, collecting golf balls at the creek and transporting the kids to and from sports practices and games. She is her boys’ biggest cheerleader. The Peters and Tlaxcala families are incredibly lucky to call many of the people they’ve met through 3.21 For Life dear friends. The future is BRIGHT for upcoming generations as we show up for one another to promote a vibrant community where everyone belongs.

 FAQs

  • Interested in helping throughout the year? Check-out our grant recipients and volunteer with their organization! They are always looking for extra helpers and individuals to cheer their athletes and participants on.

  • Head to our WDSD page and check-out our social media closer to 3.21 to volunteer at the event.

  • Click here to visit our resources tab.

  • If you are in individual with Down syndrome in Central PA, we want to spotlight YOU. Click here to complete the form.

  • Click here to visit our donate page.

  • Click here to visit our sponsor page.

  • Yes, as part of 3.21 GO! We will have meet-ups at Troegs Independent Brewing on the first Friday of each month from 5:00-7:00 PM leading up to World Down Syndrome Day. We will announce other opportunities on our 3.21 GO page as they become available.

  • After a review of your content we would be more than happy to share on social media if it fits within our mission. Please send an email to hello@321forlife.com