BY: Daaiyah Latham
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In October, we recognize our loved ones, friends, or anyone else with Down Syndrome. This month is for people to become educated on what Down Syndrome is. During this month, not only do we spread awareness, but we also celebrate the accomplishments of those with Down Syndrome. We thank them for their diligence despite their disability.
What is Down Syndrome? Oxford dictionary defines it as “a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile. It arises from a defect involving chromosome 21, usually an extra copy (trisomy-21).” With that being said, people with Down Syndrome are no different from anyone else. They just have an extra chromosome. Down syndrome was first discovery was credited by Doctor John Langdon Down. He discovered the disease and gave the label “Down Syndrome.”
Just because someone has Down Syndrome, it does not stop them from living a life like everyone else. They can do anything they want, and they will not let Down Syndrome stop them.
There are many campaigns that support and fund Down Syndrome awareness and research (link is listed below for more information):
Examples:
I Could Be
The Disabled Children’s Partnership – “The Secret Life of Us”
More Alike Awareness Campaign
Mission 21
21 Faces
Same as our Siblings
In Alabama there are many events to get involved with for Down Syndrome Awareness. In Vestavia Hills, Alabama, there will be a parent connection meeting held on October 22nd. On October 27th , there will be a Boo Run hosted by Southeastern Trail Runs at Red Mountain Park. There will be one mile, 3.3 mile, and six mile trails sponsored by Mountain High Outfitters after the event there will be a costume contest and cookout. For more info, click the link: https://www.southeasterntrailruns.com/boo-run-for-down-syndrome.html
You can donate by clicking on the link below.
https://www.upwithdowns.org/donate
References:
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/down_syndrome/article_em.htm
https://downsyndromealabama.org/calendar/
https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/down_syndrome
https://www.southeasterntrailruns.com/boo-run-for-down-syndrome.html
