Awareness Months can seem a little...pointless. There are at least 15 things to be aware of every month. It's difficult to keep track of what color ribbon I'm supposed to be wearing this month. And who knows what you're supposed to give priority to. Seriously, just look at what we are supposed to be 'aware' of this month:
OCTOBER 2016 AWARENESS:
| National Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
| National Liver Cancer Awareness Month |
| Down Syndrome Awareness Month |
| Energy Awareness Month (Go Green) |
| Healthy Lungs Month |
| National Campaign for Healthier Babies Month |
| National Physical Therapy Month |
| National Spinal Health Month |
| Rett Syndrome Awareness Month |
| National Psoriasis Month |
| National AIDS Awareness Month |
| National Dental Hygiene Month |
| National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
| Celiac Sprue Awareness Month |
| SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month |
| Eye Injury Prevention Month |
| National Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
| National Medical Librarians Month |
| Talk About Prescriptions Month |
| Down Syndrome Awareness Month |
| Hunger Awareness Month |
| 1-7: National Sarcoidosis Awareness Week |
| 3- 10: Hearing Aid Awareness Week |
| 3-9: Mental Illness Awareness Week |
| 3-9: National Fire Prevention Week |
| 4-8: Drive Safely to Work Week |
| 11-15: National School Lunch Week |
| 12-20: Bone and Joint Decade National Action Week |
| 18-24: National Drug-Free Work Week |
| 23-31: Red Ribbon Week (Drug-Free America) |
| 24-30: Respiratory Care Week |
| 24-30: Pastoral Care Week |
| 4: National Child Health Day |
| 7: National Depression Screening Day |
| 13: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day |
| 10: World Mental Health Day |
| 15: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day |
| 16: World Food Day |
| 20: World Osteoporosis Day |
| 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day |
| 22: National Mammography Day |
| 27: Lung Health Day |
| Celiac Disease Awareness Day |
Good gravy! Who can keep track?! Seriously, National School Lunch Week? Talk About Prescriptions Month? Does any of it really make an difference? What's the point?!
The point is this:
A baby girl was born in the US this month (in my city). Born with Down syndrome to parents visiting from Asia. That little extra chromosome was unexpected and the extended family back in their home country made it very clear this baby would not be accepted. The birth family fought to find the resources to care for their sweet bundle of joy, but nothing was available in their home country. Could they move to a nearby country? Did they have resources? Would the love of their heart be welcome there? But nothing. The only option would to place their beautiful, innocent baby for adoption within the US before their visas ran out. HERE their baby would be cared for. HERE their little joy would receive medical care and appropriate therapies to keep her safe & healthy. HERE she will have a future that includes school inclusion, job training and and community support. HERE their precious daughter will be loved and accepted because as a society we have worked to be aware of the needs of those most vulnerable around us.
The US isn't perfect. But we've come a LONG way and there is still a long way to go. However, newborns with Down syndrome are now lovingly supported to be with the families who birthed them. And for those who cannot parent their little ones, there is a community of domestic adoptive parents who step forward to do what others cannot. Because they are acutely aware of the need.
Life expectancy for those with an extra chromosome has sky rocketed from just 20 years in the 1980s, to over 60 years. Because the medical community has become aware of medical and therapeutic interventions that provide quality and quantity of life.
Institutionalization is no longer a reality in our country. School inclusion is! My child is fully included as an equal in his school classroom. Given responsibilities and required to meet appropriate expectations. Not only is he thriving, his classmates are too! Even at this young age they are learning graciousness and how to be aware of those around them with vulnerabilities--would that more adults have these qualities!!
Meaningful employment is now possible and encouraged for those rocking designer genes. Emphasis on meaningful. It's quality work with measurable impact---just like I have. As a culture we are becoming aware that our friends and family with that little bit of extra give A LOT extra in the workplace and are valued employees.
None of these things are available for the sweet baby girl born this month. If they were, she would be with her loving birth family now. That is the tragic result of a lack of awareness that feeds into abandonment & adoption in so many different countries around the world.
THIS is why awareness months for Down syndrome (and other important issues) is so very vital. When we are aware, hearts change. When hearts change, people groups change. When people groups change, cultures and countries change. When cultures change, sweet baby girls with Down syndrome thrive.
So be aware. Wear your ribbon. Encourage people to ask questions and to question what has always been. Is it they way it should be? How can we make it better?
Now someone PLEASE tackle the National School Lunch issue...
