DELAND, Fla. — A DeLand baby with Down syndrome has advanced to the group finals of the 2026 Baby of the Year competition as her family uses the national platform to promote inclusion and representation.
Alora Elizabeth da Silva-Perez finished among the top five competitors in her assigned group, according to her mother, Ludmila Perez.
Perez said what began as a fun opportunity has become a way for the family to celebrate Alora and show that a Down syndrome diagnosis does not diminish a child’s value or potential.
“When Alora was born with Down syndrome, our lives changed in ways we never expected,” Perez said. “Today, she is a joyful, curious little girl whose smile has touched so many people.”
The family also shares Alora’s journey through social media, where Perez said they connect with other families and raise awareness about Down syndrome.
“Having Alora continue advancing in a national competition also gives us an opportunity to see a child with Down syndrome represented and celebrated on a much larger platform,” Perez said.
The Baby of the Year competition is operated by Colossal Management as a fundraising campaign benefiting Baby2Baby through the charitable grantmaker DTCare.
Baby2Baby provides diapers, clothing and other necessities to children living in poverty.
The competition’s winner will receive $25,000, appear in a national advertising campaign with The Honest Company and be featured in a Variety magazine advertorial.
The winner is determined through public voting. Supporters may cast one free vote every 24 hours. Adults may also make donations that provide additional votes. According to the contest, donations go to DTCare, which will issue a grant to Baby2Baby after fees and costs.
The group-finals round is scheduled to continue through Oct. 8. Group winners will advance to the quarterfinals, with the overall winner expected to be selected in November.
Alora’s profile and voting information can be found here.
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