Local will be Times Square star

Audrey Presby might barely know it — she’s a mere 2 years old — but this weekend, she’ll be an inspiration to thousands.

She’ll also be a star in Times Square.

The Costa Mesa resident, who was born with Down syndrome, is set to have her picture displayed in the heart of New York City today by the National Down Syndrome Society. Every year, the society puts together a video production in Times Square featuring photos of adults and children with the condition. This year, Audrey’s face is among about 250 that made the final cut.

Audrey’s mother, Nicki Presby, guessed that she was mostly oblivious about her pending fame.

“I think she will be [aware] when we get there after the airplane ride, the sights and the city,” Presby said. “Right now, she has no idea.”

Audrey’s picture shows her seated at a wooden table with a pile of foam letters, smiling at the camera and holding up a fat, blue “R.” It’s a poignant image for a girl who, according to her mother, has difficulty formulating words out loud.

“We were thrilled,” Presby said. “It’s just very exciting.

“We’re very involved in our local Down syndrome association and all the fundraising, so it’s just very exciting to have her chosen out of so many photographs.”

Down syndrome is a genetic condition, resulting from an extra chromosome, that usually results in mental retardation, short physical stature and other problems.

By some counts, around one in 800 children is born with the condition. Every year since 1981, the national society has celebrated Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

The Times Square video production serves as an early kickoff to the month, which features “buddy walks” across America to raise money for research and charity.

Audrey’s family planned to fly to New York to attend the walk there today. Before Down syndrome sufferers and their loved ones trek through Central Park, the society plans to screen the short film twice.

The National Down Syndrome Society, based in New York, asked families nationwide to send in photos for the video montage.

According to media relations manager Theresa Renaldi, the society tried to capture Down syndrome from many angles.

“We like to have a diverse group of photos, all ages and genders, people doing a lot of activities,” Renaldi said.

“We want to show that people with Down syndrome are just like everyone else.”