In celebration of the National Down Syndrome Awareness Month I have created this video, Extra C. Please help me spread the message that every child is a gift, even if the wrapping is a little different.
Thank you for helping me to change attitudes about Down syndrome. Enjoy the video. The music was composed and played by C.S. Bezas, an incredibly talented and creative artist. Please visit her website www.csbezasmusic.com to hear more of her beautiful music.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Embrace the Person Inside
This is Down Syndrome Awareness month. I didn't even know it existed until about a week ago. I think it's a step in the right direction because so many people still harbor misconceptions about DS.
Kids with DS are like kids without DS. They like to run and play. They laugh, cry, and get mad. They have favorite toys, songs, and TV shows. They have talents. They also have some challenges, but what kid, or adult for that matter, doesn't? We all struggle with something. Wouldn't it be nice if we all looked pass each other's struggles and embraced the person inside? The world would certainly be a better place.
In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness month I am working on a short movie about my son that I plan to post to YouTube. I'll keep you updated in case you'd like to view it.
Kids with DS are like kids without DS. They like to run and play. They laugh, cry, and get mad. They have favorite toys, songs, and TV shows. They have talents. They also have some challenges, but what kid, or adult for that matter, doesn't? We all struggle with something. Wouldn't it be nice if we all looked pass each other's struggles and embraced the person inside? The world would certainly be a better place.
In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness month I am working on a short movie about my son that I plan to post to YouTube. I'll keep you updated in case you'd like to view it.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
My Son
When my son was first born, he looked a little different from my other children because my other kids all had quite a protruding nose bridge. His was rather flat. I only held him for a few minutes before the doctor came in and told me that he had some characteristics of DS and I should think about testing him.
We later found out that he did, indeed, have the extra chromosome (though I've never actually seen the test or the testing doctor's comments). That first few weeks after the diagnosis while I wondered what it would mean to our family, I can remember holding my new son in my arms and looking into his eyes. Each time I held him, I feel more deeply in love with him. Though I didn't expect a diagnosis of DS, I found it really didn't matter to me because I loved my son so completely, I knew everything would work out somehow.
And it has. He is such a wonderful boy. He has such a funny and fun personality. He makes me laugh all the time. He's learning and growing. Our family wouldn't be the same without him and every day I am so grateful he's my son.
We later found out that he did, indeed, have the extra chromosome (though I've never actually seen the test or the testing doctor's comments). That first few weeks after the diagnosis while I wondered what it would mean to our family, I can remember holding my new son in my arms and looking into his eyes. Each time I held him, I feel more deeply in love with him. Though I didn't expect a diagnosis of DS, I found it really didn't matter to me because I loved my son so completely, I knew everything would work out somehow.
And it has. He is such a wonderful boy. He has such a funny and fun personality. He makes me laugh all the time. He's learning and growing. Our family wouldn't be the same without him and every day I am so grateful he's my son.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October Awareness
October is Down Syndrome Awareness month. I'm going to do my best to blog about DS and help spread the word.
A few facts:
350,000 Americans have DS and approximately 5000 babies are born with DS each year. Women can now choose testing that indicate whther or not the baby they're carrying has Down syndrome. Of those that receive a diagnosis of DS, 90% choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Down syndrome is the most common genetic abnormality. It is the result of extra genetic material on the 21st chromosome, thus the medical term is Trisomy 21. It is not the result of inadequate pre-natal care, it is a genetic condition that occurs when the cells divide shortly after fertilization.
People with DS may take longer to do some things, but they are not stupid. People with DS have talents and gifts just like everyone else. I personally know of a woman with DS who serves on the Olympic Committee and speaks 3 different languages.
Down syndrome is not a curse nor is it a terrible thing. Those of us who've been touched by Down syndrome in our lives will tell you that it's a blessing.
A few facts:
350,000 Americans have DS and approximately 5000 babies are born with DS each year. Women can now choose testing that indicate whther or not the baby they're carrying has Down syndrome. Of those that receive a diagnosis of DS, 90% choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Down syndrome is the most common genetic abnormality. It is the result of extra genetic material on the 21st chromosome, thus the medical term is Trisomy 21. It is not the result of inadequate pre-natal care, it is a genetic condition that occurs when the cells divide shortly after fertilization.
People with DS may take longer to do some things, but they are not stupid. People with DS have talents and gifts just like everyone else. I personally know of a woman with DS who serves on the Olympic Committee and speaks 3 different languages.
Down syndrome is not a curse nor is it a terrible thing. Those of us who've been touched by Down syndrome in our lives will tell you that it's a blessing.
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