Local girl to be featured in Times Square video

By Jason Scott, Sentinel Reporter, August 26, 2009

Camryn Lilly will get her first moment on the big screen next month.

The 7-year-old from North Middleton Township was one of about 200 individuals selected from thousands around the world to have her photo included in the 2009 National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square video, which will be shown Sept. 26, the day of this year’s New York City Buddy Walk in Central Park.

Her mother, Bettina Lilly, receives the organization’s monthly newsletter and said she read about the Times Square video a few years ago. This is the first time a photo of Camryn has been selected.

“She said, ‘I am going to be a supermodel,’” Bettina said of her daughter’s response as the family plans to make the trip to New York City for the event.

Camryn was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth.

“My first initial reaction was embarrassment,” Bettina said of the news.

“I just wanted her to be OK,” she said, concerned that her daughter had heart problems.

Camryn was weaned off the oxygen and test results found no heart irregularities. The only thing the family struggles with today is her weight, Bettina said, also noting Camryn can have difficulty transitioning from one task to the next.

Bettina also has a 13-year-old daughter named Kaylee.

The family moved to the Carlisle area two years ago from Virginia Beach.