Haiku resident Ava Joy Palmer, 4, is shown here on Polo Beach in Waialua. Ava will appear in New York City on Sept. 6 as one of the children featured in the annual National Down Syndrome Society Times Square video presentation. John and Jessie Johnson/Pine and Palm Productions

Ava Joy Palmer is heading to New York City soon where she will enjoy the bright lights and sounds of the big city while likely staying up way past her bedtime.

The 4-year-old will be in the Big Apple on Sept. 6 as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society Times Square video presentation.

The one-hour video will feature 500-plus photographs of children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 U.S. states and 11 countries. The collection of images are meant to highlight individuals with Down syndrome in the most visible way — on two screens in the heart of Times Square.

The photo of Ava Joy was selected from more than 2,600 entries in a worldwide call for photos. Her photo will be shown on two Jumbotron screens thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The two screens are above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square in the northern triangle of Times Square. The presentation will be live streamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 3:30-4:30 a.m. Sept 6, or 9:30-10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

According to Ava’s mother, Sandy Palmer, Ava is pictured basking in the final moments of sunlight.

“She radiates immense joy and fulfillment, enriching our lives,” said Sandy, whose family lives in Haiku. “After a courageous five-month journey through heart failure and open-heart surgery, we feel truly blessed and grateful to share each sunset with this precious gift. That spreads joy wherever she goes.”

Ava is the youngest of the family’s four children.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused when an unusual cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.

Ava’s diagnosis with Down syndrome during Sandy’s pregnancy was unexpected. But Sandy said Ava has “become an integral part of our lives, teaching us valuable lessons about compassion, love, and the importance of family. Our older children adore her, and Ava has a remarkable ability to connect with others.”

Sandy said strides have been made in how children with Down syndrome are included and no longer stigmatized.

“I firmly believe that society has made tremendous progress in embracing children with Down syndrome, and it’s truly heartening to witness. However, navigating uncharted territory can be daunting, especially when you’ve never experienced it before,” Sandy said.

Sandy mentioned an analogy that resonates with her.

“Imagine someone explaining the art of surfing to you,” she said. “It sounds exhilarating yet manageable when you watch others glide effortlessly across the waves. But once you’re in the midst of the ocean, facing towering waves that knock you down time and again, you finally learn to catch the wave and ride it all the way back to shore.”

She said having a child with a disability is a unique and very personal experience.

“While you can explain it to others, it’s only through living it that you realize the magnitude of advocacy required to ensure your child’s inclusion, acceptance and access to top-notch health care,” Sandy said.

She said the family and Ava were fortunate to have a community and church where inclusion and love were the norm.