Owlet Cares is our advocacy initiative that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of babies and parents.
One way we do this is by partnering with nonprofits all over the world who share our mission. These groups participate in our 3:1 match program. When they purchase one Owlet product, we match it with two, meaning three families are reached.
Each month, we shine a spotlight on one of our foundation partners and the important work they are doing.
This month, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, we’d like to introduce you to the founder of Down to Defend - a nonprofit organization that educates and equips those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing safety classes and resources to lead a more fulfilling life.
In her words, here is her story and why partnering with Owlet through the Owlet Cares program is so meaningful to the community she serves.
The quotes, stories, and experiences included here are those of the individuals and are not representative of Owlet's views or claims about our product. Individuals were not paid and did not submit their information as part of any paid promotion by Owlet.
Dream Sock® is intended to track baby's pulse rate and oxygen level and keep parents informed. BabySat® is a prescription-only device. Dream Sock and BabySat are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other condition, including but not limited to, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Medical decisions should never be made solely using Dream Duo and Dream Sock data. BabySat (prescription-only), Dream Duo and Dream Sock should not substitute for the care and oversight of an adult or consultation with medical professionals.
By: Alicia Mathieu
When I found out at 14 weeks pregnant that my son Levi had Down syndrome, I was overwhelmed with emotions—fear, uncertainty, and a desperate need to understand what this diagnosis meant for our family. But as I navigated this new reality, I quickly learned that the world wasn’t as prepared as it should be for individuals like my son.
I uncovered heartbreaking statistics: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are seven times more likely to be sexually assaulted than those without disabilities, and 90% of individuals with IDD will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime*. This was unacceptable to me, and I knew I had to do something.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Determined to make a difference, I started offering self-defense classes, CPR training, Healthy Relationships education, ISR (Infant Swim Resource) lessons, Down to Groove music therapy, and Celebration Bags for new parents. Each of these initiatives was designed to provide individuals with IDD and their families with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to live safer, more fulfilling lives.
The idea for our Celebration Bags came from my own NICU days. We spent nine long days in the hospital because Levi was born with holes in his heart and because his oxygen levels would dip each time we attempted the car seat test. While we were in the NICU, we received a 2-inch thick binder full of outdated information about Down syndrome. It was overwhelming and disheartening. In those moments, I knew that something had to change. Parents should feel welcomed and overjoyed with the gift they have just received. They should know that their child is a blessing, not something to grieve over because society tells them their baby is different.
The Importance of the Owlet Dream Sock
This is why our partnership with Owlet means so much to me. During those early days, I had to quit my job to care for Levi, and we were left living on a single income. The medical bills started piling up quickly, and while I wholeheartedly believe Owlet’s Dream Sock is fairly priced for the security and technology it provides, it simply wasn’t an option for us at the time. The peace of mind it could have given us—knowing Levi’s oxygen levels and pulse rate were being monitored—was something I desperately wanted but couldn’t afford. And I know that so many other families find themselves in the same position.
A Mission to Provide Peace of Mind
From the very first day of launching Down to Defend, one of my biggest goals has been to ensure that every family who receives one of our Celebration Bags also receives an Owlet Dream Sock. These bags are filled with love, encouragement, and resources to help parents embrace the beauty of their child’s diagnosis. I don't want families to worry about the price of peace of mind. I want them to be able to soak up every moment of joy with their newborn without fear—without worrying if their baby’s oxygen levels are dropping, without panicking over an irregular heart rate, without the added stress of medical complexities.
Changing the Narrative Around Down Syndrome
Owlet has truly created something remarkable. The peace of mind its monitors provide is something parents in our community long for. Partnering with Owlet through its Owlet Cares program is more than just a collaboration—it’s a mission to ensure that no parent feels the fear and uncertainty I once did. It’s about changing the narrative around Down syndrome and reminding parents that they are, in fact, the lucky ones.
Together, we can create a world where new parents don’t feel lost in outdated statistics and unnecessary worry but instead feel supported, empowered, and truly celebrated.
Alicia Mathieu
Founder & Executive Director, Down to Defend
Alicia Mathieu is the passionate founder and executive director of Down to Defend, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and empowering individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Inspired by her son’s Down syndrome diagnosis and the alarming lack of safety resources, Alicia launched the organization to provide education, advocacy, and support.
Alicia and her husband, David, started Down to Defend with very little—funding it out of their own pockets. Their dedication built the organization from the ground up. In 2024, Alicia organized the first annual gala, personally rallying support and raising nearly $40,000 to expand the nonprofit’s reach. Within three years, Down to Defend has served nearly 100 individuals through self-defense, water safety, CPR training, and more. She also provides Celebration Baskets to families welcoming a child with Down syndrome.
Her work has gained national recognition, including the NDSS ‘Organization of the Year’ award in 2024. She was previously honored as Fox 17’s ‘Pay It Forward’ Person of the Month in 2022 and has been featured in multiple publications.
Alicia firmly believes that with faith, relentless dedication, and a shared commitment to the greater good, we can make this world a safer, better place. She is always looking for supporters and partnerships to help expand Down to Defend’s mission. If you feel called to get involved, visit downtodefend.org.
