Every year on March 21st we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome all over this beautiful planet of ours. Why March 21st you ask? Down syndrome happens when the egg that is fertilized, or the sperm that does the fertilizing, has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome attached to it. This results in the baby being born with three copies of the 21st chromosome in every cell of their body. Three copies of the 21st, or 3:21, are celebrated on 3/21. Get it?!
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, we would like to take the opportunity to introduce you all to some facts about that extra 21st chromosome thanks to our friends at the National Down Syndrome Society. We’d also like to introduce you to some Metro Detroit parents and their children who are celebrating today!
Did You Know?
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – about 6,000 each year.
Emerson is 3.5 and lives in Warren, MI. His mom, Melissa, tells us:
“He loves swimming, books, music and dancing, especially to the Hokey Pokey. He is always eager to learn new things (with lots of clapping and hi-fives to show his gratitude) and loves being independent and adventurous when exploring his new environments.”
Did You Know?
The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
Landon is 2.5 years old and lives in Algonac, MI. His mom, Shannon, states:
“Landon loves reading books, dancing, and pushing people’s faces together until they kiss. He dislikes when people have to leave the house. This photo, taken in front of the Belle Isle Casino when Changing the Face of Beauty came to Detroit, we feel, symbolizes what the world needs now; for everyone to come together and love one another.”
Did You Know?
All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
Meet Ethan! Ethan is six years old and hails from New Baltimore, Michigan. His mom, Angel, tells us:
“Ethan is a fun and outgoing. He started kindergarten this year. He loves to hang out with his 2 older sisters, and especially loves sports. He plays soccer, basketball and baseball and loves to route for the Detroit tigers. He also started fishing this summer and caught his first fish! Prior to that he would practice casting all the time in the yard and on the boat!”
Did You Know?
Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Eliyana is six years old and hails from Chesterfield Township. Her mom, Cheri, tells us:
“Eliyana is our sweet 6 year old. She has brought continuous joy to our family with her spunky personality and gentle demeanor. Her smile can light up any room and she loves to make others around her laugh. Whenever someone new comes to the house, she will introduce herself and then go around and tell them who everyone is. There isn’t a single person she doesn’t like!
Did You Know?
A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are: low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
Meet Sofia! Sofia hails from East China Township, Michigan. This picture, portraying her silly personality, is one of mom, Nici’s, favorites! Fellow Detroit Mom Blogger, Kelly Long, tells us:
“Sofia is 4 years old and the sweetest, happiest, most loving little girl I’ve ever met. You can’t help but be drawn to her personality!”
Did You Know?
Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
This handsome guy is Noah from Royal Oak, MI. Noah’s mom, MaryAnne, tells DMB:
“Our son Noah is 3 1/2, and is a silly, sweet, energetic little boy. Noah LOVES music of any kind. One of our favorite places to go is to the DSO Super Saturday Family Concert series. Pictured here, Noah is enchanted by the “Instrument Petting Zoo”, where kids can learn about each individual instrument from a proficient musician. It’s very important to us that Noah be involved with many community offerings, not only for HIS benefit, but for the benefit of educating other families and kids about the joy and “More alike than different”-ness of our kids.
A big “THANK YOU” to the National Down Syndrome Society for the facts, the World Down Syndrome Day for the use of their logo, and to all the Detroit area parents for sharing their loved ones with us. We wish we could have included them all!
