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Posts Tagged ‘World Down Syndrome Day’

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on Monday, March 21. By Our Student Pharmacist, Kendra Terry.

WDSD

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is an inherited condition in which a baby is born with an additional 21st chromosome. Having this extra chromosome affects development and can cause some of the characteristic physical traits such as flattened face, almond shape/slanted eyes, and poor muscle tone.

People with Down syndrome can have all or none of these physical characteristics, and many are capable of leading normal, semi-independent lives.

In recent years, people have recognized the abilities of people with Down syndrome and have allowed for a more inclusive society. Just this year, Victoria’s Secret hired its first ever model with Down syndrome. In 2018, Gerber had its first spokes baby with Down syndrome. These are both great steps towards achieving a society in which people with Down syndrome are accepted!

World Down syndrome day is particularly important to me, because one of the most special people in my life has Down syndrome- meet Nicholas!

Nick

Nick and his family moved in across the street from me when I was 10 years old and Nick was only 2. My sister and I almost immediately adopted Nick and his two older brothers as our own siblings, and his parents as friends. Despite no longer living across the street from them, we have maintained that relationship and consider them family- spending holidays, vacations, and all important events together.

Although having Down syndrome may be what is first noticeable about Nick to others, I am lucky enough to know that having Down syndrome is only one of the many things that makes Nick unique and special. He loves to smile, swim, swing, take selfies, and play on his iPad. He can be extremely sweet and loving, but he can also drive you crazy by being stubborn, picky, and moody at times.

Seeing the ups and downs Nick and his family have experienced over the last 18 years has had a huge impact on both me and my sister. This is especially true for my sister, who as a result has dedicated her career to helping kids like Nick. She is an occupational therapist who works in schools with children with disabilities. Nick graduated from high school last May, and as an educator for Westerville schools, my sister was able to present him with his diploma.

For World Down syndrome day, I asked Nick’s mom what she wished the world understood about Down syndrome:

“Children born with Down syndrome are not all the same, they are individuals just like typical children. They are not always happy and loving. That’s a stereotype. Anyone who knows my son knows his moods are as typical as many people they may know. I will say that he has kept us on our toes throughout the years. He has made us laugh, cry, and scream. I love him and wouldn’t change the fact that he was born with Down syndrome because without it, he wouldn’t be Nick.”

If you are interested in supporting people with Down syndrome or want to learn more, here are some good resources:

Down syndrome myths and facts

References:

1.) Inclusion means. World Down Syndrome Day. https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/inclusion-means. Published March 4, 2022.

2.) Facts about down syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html. Published April 6, 2021.

3.) D_Scribbler. Russ Ewell. Posted by russewell. https://russewell.tumblr.com/.