Do you want to know why we rock our socks on WDSD?
Awareness
It means so much but can look so different depending on how close you are to the cause. “My nephew has down syndrome” is so different from “My son has down syndrome.” When a 2nd grader shares about his sister for World Down Syndrome Day, it hits different than a 2nd grader who shares about her cousin. A mom who wears crazy socks to support her friend’s kid could be just the kindest person out there, but she does not carry the same burden as the mom advocating for that sweet child.
All of these individuals are sharing stories, even if they have different levels of connection.
Awareness is vital, but it comes in layers.
Awareness feels good, but it takes work.
Raising awareness is not simple, but every little bit helps. Maybe you’re the parent of a precious baby born with Down syndrome, and your head is swirling with what the future looks like. Maybe you’re the parent of a 25-year-old with Down syndrome and you’re stressing about what happens next year when they age out of the educational system and your health insurance. Maybe you don’t have any close ties with anyone who has Down syndrome, but you’re curious and open-minded enough to help make a positive difference in this life. Maybe you’re able to carry just some of the weight of increasing awareness.
Regardless of where you come from, welcome to this amazing group of individuals! Let us continue to keep spreading all the knowledge and personal experiences. The more people know, the better the future can be. With that – let’s talk about Down syndrome!
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the US, and it occurs in about 1 in 700 births. There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (95% cases), Translocation (3%), and Mosaic (2%). Trisomy 21 cases have an extra 21ST chromosome. Translocation cases have a partial or whole chromosome attached to another chromosome instead of a typical separate 21st chromosome. Mosaic cases have some cells with three copies of the 21st chromosome and some with two copies. They typically have less characteristics of Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is not new. Evidence can be found 2,500 years back in facial features in paintings and on pottery. The syndrome is named after an English doctor: John Langdon Down, who published a clinical description in 1866. The condition is more likely in pregnant women 35 and older, so screening tests are commonly recommended for that age group. Down syndrome affects everyone differently, but there are higher health risks that can occur. Hearing and vision problems, ear infections, and heart defects are common. Knowing if your child has markers for Down syndrome when pregnant can help you plan better for their birth and potential health needs.
At the end of the day, we're all human. And our lives are just a blip on the timeline of the world. But it's our hope at Down to Defend that we use our spot on the timeline making the best possible difference we can.
Please join us in whatever way you can, however you can, wherever you can.
All of these individuals are sharing stories, even if they have different levels of connection.
Awareness is vital, but it comes in layers.
Awareness feels good, but it takes work.
Raising awareness is not simple, but every little bit helps. Maybe you’re the parent of a precious baby born with Down syndrome, and your head is swirling with what the future looks like. Maybe you’re the parent of a 25-year-old with Down syndrome and you’re stressing about what happens next year when they age out of the educational system and your health insurance. Maybe you don’t have any close ties with anyone who has Down syndrome, but you’re curious and open-minded enough to help make a positive difference in this life. Maybe you’re able to carry just some of the weight of increasing awareness.
Regardless of where you come from, welcome to this amazing group of individuals! Let us continue to keep spreading all the knowledge and personal experiences. The more people know, the better the future can be. With that – let’s talk about Down syndrome!
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the US, and it occurs in about 1 in 700 births. There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (95% cases), Translocation (3%), and Mosaic (2%). Trisomy 21 cases have an extra 21ST chromosome. Translocation cases have a partial or whole chromosome attached to another chromosome instead of a typical separate 21st chromosome. Mosaic cases have some cells with three copies of the 21st chromosome and some with two copies. They typically have less characteristics of Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is not new. Evidence can be found 2,500 years back in facial features in paintings and on pottery. The syndrome is named after an English doctor: John Langdon Down, who published a clinical description in 1866. The condition is more likely in pregnant women 35 and older, so screening tests are commonly recommended for that age group. Down syndrome affects everyone differently, but there are higher health risks that can occur. Hearing and vision problems, ear infections, and heart defects are common. Knowing if your child has markers for Down syndrome when pregnant can help you plan better for their birth and potential health needs.
At the end of the day, we're all human. And our lives are just a blip on the timeline of the world. But it's our hope at Down to Defend that we use our spot on the timeline making the best possible difference we can.
Please join us in whatever way you can, however you can, wherever you can.