World Down Syndrome Day 3/21

Out to dinner on Valentine's day!

Today is World Down Syndrome Day!  It is the 9th anniversary of this global celebration. The celebration centers around the Down Syndrome community, every ones unique abilities and our global connection as human beings. Today I celebrate the core foundational values that should bind us the world over; respect and equality for all people.

It is also my 400th blog post. I am so proud that this post can be dedicated to a community that I adore and that I was welcomed into with open arms on May 13, 2011 when my son Blake was born.

Thus far it has been an interesting journey, an extra chromosome means an extra full time advocacy job, extra love and and extra rewards beyond my wildest dreams.

Our Family Rocking Our Socks for WDSD & Blake! 

I have learned more about myself in the last 2.5 years than I feel like I have my whole life. For example, patients was a virtue that I truly had yet to acquire, then Blake came into my life. I am always rushing and watching time flying by but Blake's extra chromosome has forced me to slow down and take the time to experience and enjoy. As a mother to both my children and step-children I am essentially looking at the world through different eyes. I all ready feel like a better person for knowing Blake. I feel very honored to have been given the gift of also being his mom. I look forward to the rest of our journey together and the journey of educating the world about people with Down Syndrome.

The community deserves respect, equality and above all LOVE. Again, everyone deserves these basic human rights. We should all make it a daily practice to embrace and celebrate our differences really, regardless of our abilities. Let's spend our time today, and all days just enjoying each others strengths and unique characters. 

"A free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it- basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near one of them"- Charles Bukowski (author)

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

A World DS Celebration!

Today is World Down Syndrome Day ~ Cleverly selected on March 21 (3:21) as to represent the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome! 21 March 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and for the first time TODAY will be officially observed by the United Nations.

The most important message of today is that people with Down Syndrome are more alike than they are different. They deserve the same respect, opportunities and celebration of their uniqueness in the same manner that each and every other unique human being does.

You can read our story HERE Posted on our friend Tori's blog EdiTORIAL from October's Down Syndrome Awareness Month!! Tori's Down with inclusion and acceptance! xo

I feel that the best we can do to promote acceptance and tolerance is to PRACTICE IT in our daily lives. My 4 year old watches and listens to EVERYTHING and takes her cues from what I model for her. She likes what I like or approve of and "dislikes" what I have an adverse reaction to (ex: Spiders). Educate yourself about the world around you. Not just people with DS but humanity in general. Different races and customs, religions, developmental disabilities, and MORE. We live in an amazingly diverse world that is ripe for discovery. I don't have the naive expectation that we will accept EVERYTHING that this diverse world has to offer but we can all RESPECT it and acknowledge each others differences as just that, Different .. not WRONG. I for one am happy when I am faced with something unique or set apart from what I call the "Herd Mentality".

Words cannot convey how my life has changed over the last 10 months. The evolution and growth has been astonishing to me and all thanks to a little boy with a little something extra! I know Blake will continue to be my greatest teacher and I look forward to all of life's adventures with him and our family.

How will you teach your children? your friends or family? about tolerance, acceptance and LOVE?

How will you CELEBRATE diversity today and all days?

Visit World Down Syndrome Day Page & Support the National Down Syndrome Society

Check out my fried Kelle's Blog & her NEW BOOK BLOOM!

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