World Down Syndrome Day 2015

March 21st. The 21st day of the 3rd month of the year. A day picked specifically to celebrate those with a 3rd copy of their 21st chromosome. And this day specifically to increase awareness of the global blessing of Down syndrome!

 

There is no firm data on how many beautiful people there are world wide rocking the extra genes. It is estimated that anywhere from 1 in 690 to 1 in 1000 births across the globe is blessed with an extra chromosome. Sadly, in most developed countries with access to prenatal care and standardize genetic testing, there is still a high rate of terminations when DS is diagnosed in-utero. That truth breaks my heart. In many underdeveloped countries, when a newborn is found to have DS there can be instant abandonment, medical neglect and if they survive, lifetime of institutionalization. This reality is sometimes more than I can bare.  The very fact that my perfect little Asian son with Down syndrome lived to be adopted into a new forever is an absolute miracle. A miracle that has rocked my world!

In the last four years, mainland China has come a long way in recognizing Down syndrome as an 'adoptable' condition. When we started our adoption journey in 2011 there were less than five children with DS throughout China available for adoption (possibly as few as two). Now, rumor is that approximately 10% of the current children in China waiting for their new forever are chromosomally enhanced. That's nearly TWO HUNDRED sweet beauties with extra almond eyes ready and waiting for a hope, for a future.

 

As we hope expectantly for hearts and nations to change, we can advocate for those sweet hearts that wait. There are multiple children with Down syndrome on the Shared List. Advocacy sites like Reece's Rainbow provides opportunities to fund grants for waiting children. Bethany Christian Service's Bamboo Project is expanding to meet the advocacy need (see below). By standing for these children we are declaring: You, sweet child, were created PERFECTLY with an amazing piece of extra; you are loved, you are wanted; we will fight for you and your future; we will expand our hearts to welcome yours and expect God to work wonders because of your very presence on this earth!!!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!  Let's change some lives in 2015!!