Down Syndrome VLOG

My son, Blake at the Pumpkin Patch

Today I am in full VLOG (Video Blog) mode. As stated yesterday my blog for the remainder of October (Down Syndrome Awareness Month) my blog's content would have heavy emphasis on DS. I will break for important fashion and fitness content but primarily I want to dedicate the next few weeks to DS awareness and education.

This is a VLOG today. A collection of AMAZING and INSPIRATIONAL video's that I have seen and saved since my son was born. Sit back, enjoy, grab the kleenex and prepare to be inspired.

1) A Fathers perspective about raising a child with Down Syndrome. It is honest, insightful and fabulous!

2) A father exposes his soul and writes an honest letter to his two year old Daughter with Down Syndrome. On so many levels I can connect and empathize with him. My son did not get diagnosed until he was born but the fears were still there for me too. Originally posted by ESPN in 2012. This dad is bold and courageous for sharing the brutal, honest truth of how he felt and feels. 

3) Tim's Place. What a motivational man. He is the proud owner of his own restaurant called "Tim's Place" in Albuquerque. Up at 5:30am with HUGS the best part of his day. I think we can all learn a thing or two from him! I hope my son Blake is able to find his passion in life like this.

4) Archie and Me - I love these two. Children never really grasp the "differences" until adults and society point it out to them. I love to see these two as it reminds me of my daughter and son. I hope they grow up to be best friends and take care of each other.

5) Meet John Anton. What an inspirational man. Most individuals with NO disability fail to accomplish what John has. It is my hope that my son Blake will follow his passion and dreams. I love that he pushed past the menial jobs that did not stimulate him and onto his dream of advocacy and helping others.

6) Super Hero: Too lazy to go to the gym? not this man. He is a soft hearted, hard core power lifter and NOT in the "Special Olympics" - right on par with this peers. Amazing!

INSPIRED or HOPEFUL YET? HAPPY and MOTIVATED?

Me Too ...

Blake & Mommy (me)

World Down Syndrome Day 3:21

It has been approximately 22 months since my son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. It has been an amazing journey of growth, transformation and evolution ... for ME! Today the World Celebrates Down Syndrome and today I would like the world to acknowledge the day with kindness and love. This is not just for people with Down Syndrome or a disability but for everyone. Let's face facts, we are ALL different. Embracing these differences is what makes us learn and evolve forward as human beings. We are also ALL connected in this way, despite the number of chromosomes you have.

3:21 is significant as it represents not only the 3rd month (March) and the 21st day but 3 copies of the 21st chromosome which is the definitive factor to diagnose Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21.

Did you know? 

*That there are more than 400,000 people with DS living in the US

*Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.

* Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

*Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

* There is 3 types of Down Syndrome - Blake has Trisomy 21 - there is also Mosaicism and Trans Location.

*Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction."  Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.  Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate.  As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body.  This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called trisomy 21. 

*The cause of nondisjunction is currently unknown. Heridity is not a factor in trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) 

Typical Cell Division

NonDisjunction

The stories from people with down syndrome, their families, friends and educators have been positive and uplifting for me. I have recently seen a few stories that make me SO OPTIMISTIC for my son's future. Here's the deal, he will be what he will be. All that I care about is that whatever he is he is above all HAPPY and PROUD! I never could have imagined one tiny microscopic chromosome could have such a gigantic impact on so many lives! I have celebrated all day not only the love for my son but that he is already unique in a predominantly generic world.

Check out Business Owner Tim's Story and realize that with hard work and dream can come true for anyone!!

Need more information? 

Reach out to the National Down Syndrome Society - NDSS