World Down Syndrome Day is a day dedicated to all individuals with Down syndrome. Trisomy 21 is the clinical way of saying Down syndrome, which is the third copy on the 21st chromosome. In a person without Down syndrome, there are 46 chromosomes in the human body. Individuals with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome; we have 47.
Having Down syndrome doesn’t stop us from doing what we love or what we want to do. We have the same wants and needs as everyone else. We work, go to college, drive cars, own businesses and do so many amazing things day to day. We like to showcase our abilities and show that we are ready, willing and able to work. Down syndrome isn’t a sad diagnosis, and we are living proof.
I love my life, and I think if you talk to anyone with Down syndrome, they would tell you the same thing. World Down Syndrome Day is essential to me because it gives me a chance to show everyone what I can do, accomplish and how I have succeeded in life thus far.
World Down Syndrome Day is just one day throughout the world. We focus on activities that help promote and raise awareness. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) works to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome every single day by advocating for our rights, inclusion and education. They support us to have a voice in the lives of people with Down syndrome. My colleagues and I work to see that we are fully included in schools, employment, church, homes and many aspects of communities.
We are very thankful for what life brings us every day. Here is one of my favorite quotes, you may have heard me say before — ” We are more alike than different. Nothing worth doing is easy and nothing is above our reach if we all work together!”