3:21 World Down Syndrome Day

 

     Today, 3/21, is World Down Syndrome Day! A day to increase awareness of the genetic AWESOMENESS that has gifted more than 400,000 in America alone, including my son Isaac. I'm proud of my son's designer genes!  And I want people to understand that what society would call a 'genetic clitch' or 'mistake' is exactly what it is NOT.  Isaac was created PERFECTLY with an extra chromosome of love just as God planned; his genetic make-up was not a mistake. The more people we can help expose to the absolute miracle of Trisomy 21 the better!  Below is Down Syndrome 101 overview from our homepage.  Feel free to share it with others and spread the love. I encourage you to participate in global 3:21 events or local Buddy Walks as well, but most importantly, be aware. Be aware of the miraculous people around you that own Down syndrome!

     My handsome boy is special in a thousand different ways. God made him with dark almond eyes and straight black hair, different from my round blue eyes & wonky curly-ish hair. His skin has a soft Asian glow, mine is that special blend of European-pale that Sherwin-Williams has yet to market as a money-making paint color. He loves music and is especially fond of bath time. I imagine. in time. he'll like to play in the dirt & listen to his Uncles talk about football. In short, he is everything that makes him a little boy. BUT he also has an extra chromosome...which makes him THE COOLEST kid on the block.

"I totally ROCK my extra chromosome!"

      Many of you have quietly asked for information about Down syndrome, which thrills my heart. I want people to be interested in one of the things that makes my kiddo special and to be aware of those around them that may also have a unique physical or mental trait. I also don't want anyone to be scared or sheepish about Down syndrome. It's alright...it's not contagious. :)

Down syndrome was named after Dr. John Langdon Down, who first described the condition. The correct terminology is just that: Down syndrome. Not Down’s, or Down’s Syndrome, because Dr. Down did not have the condition (so we do not use the possessive form,) and “syndrome” is not capitalized because it is not a proper noun. You may also see Down syndrome abbreviated online as DS or Ds.

      Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal anomaly, occurring in approximately 1 in 691 births in the US. However, as common as it is, there are less and less babies being born with the condition, because about 92-93% of mothers who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Ds choose to abort the baby. This comes to about 65,000+ babies aborted each year due to a prenatal diagnosis. I can’t tell you how much it saddens me that so many lives are lost. I am sad not only for the babies, but also for the parents who are missing out on having an amazing child. And, I am sad for my Isaac who will have less friends who are like him. With fewer people having the condition, others will know less about it, there will be fewer resources for him and less research done about Ds.

      Down syndrome is a spectrum disorder, which means the physical, emotional & mental impact of this genetic trait can vary from person to person, but there are common characteristics:

• Shorter stature. A child with Ds generally grows slower & as a result is shorter than average.
• Weak muscles (hypotonia) throughout the body. A child may seem to have less strength than other children of the same age and weak abdominal muscles also make the stomach stick out. (NOT limited to Ds...let's be honest)
• Short, stocky arms and legs. Some children also have a wide space between the big toe and second toe.
• A single crease across the center of the palms of the hands. (Betchya that'll throw off the palm-readers, uh?!)
• The nasal bridge is the flat area between the nose and eyes.
• Small, low-set ears.
• A higher rate of cardiac anomalies, gastrointestinal problems and sometimes, although rarely, leukemia.
• Very low rate of dental cavities! (Something to smile about!)
• Generally sweet & gentile personalities.

      THE MOST important thing to remember about Down syndrome, is that it is a genetic influence of the body NOT of the person. A child with Ds has been created in God's image (Gen 1:27) and has the same call & gifting that any 'typical' person has; the Holy Spirit is not hindered by physical ability, mental agility or the number of palmar creases, nor should our expectation of God's miraculous work through someone whose body is lugging around an extra chromosome. In my experience with Ds, I believe it'll take us all a very short amount of time with Isaac before we realize WE are the ones that have been short changed in the genetics department! :)

      My friend Cassandra gave me an AWESOME book photo-documenting Down syndrome called I'm Down With You. I've added a link here to the website. I encourage you take a look and love on those precious faces. They are all around us! 

      If you would like more information about Down syndrome, PLEASE feel free to ask. There is also great information at the National Down Syndrome Society web page.