3/21 (yes, I know I am early!)

My child does not have Down syndrome. However, a lot of the strategies and treatments that have proven success on children with DS work for Boo. So I am so thankful for the children and people with Down Syndrome who happen to be in our lives.

We have learned so much from their struggles and successes.

March has been named Down Syndrome Awareness Month. World Down Syndrome Day was established in 2006 by Down Syndrome International, with the goal of raising awareness and mobilizing support and recognition of the dignity, rights and well-being of people with Down syndrome across the world. March 21, the 21st day of the third month of the year, was chosen to symbolize the third copy of chromosome 21 present in Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome. In 2012 the United Nations began celebrating this wonderful day.

"It is important to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 because there should be a day to celebrate the needs of people with Down syndrome. We are able to do things that other people can and can’t do – just like anybody from around the world," says National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke. "No matter who we are or where we live, give us a chance to do something with our lives so we can look forward to the future."

Photo credit: Google images



And by the way, how super cool is it that Chris Burke lived his dream to become an actor? Talk about breaking a glass ceiling!  Okay, back on point...(yes, I did have one)

So anyway, Boo does not have Down syndrome. But she does have special needs and I think that a lot of her needs are helped by the tools created for Down syndrome. So in the self-interest of solidarity I am shouting from the bottom of my heart about World Down Syndrome Day.

And I am asking everyone I know (either in real-life or virtual) to show their support of all the awesome people with Down Syndrome. How can you? Well, I have found a couple of cool ideas. So on 3/21 choose one or more and join the party!



Photo credit: Lot's of Socks

The first is to participate in Lots of Socks. This year the International World Down Syndrome Society is encouraging people to wear two or three or more different socks. Why should you participate? It is a great visual to people that even though the socks you are wearing may be different they are still socks. Just as children with Down syndrome (or plug for Boo "Special") they are still children.

 

Wear a light blue or yellow shirt. These are the colors of the National Down Syndrome Society. They also have wicked cool shirts go here to order: 3:21 Signature Clothing

Photo credit: Google images

 

Tell your friends and family about the day. Tell them how your child may/may not have Down syndrome. But that we support all of the differently-abled children in the world. And wearing socks is just too fun not to participate.

 

Acknowledge how awesome a person in your life who has Down syndrome. Give them a shout out on Facebook, e-mail, send a card proclaiming their awesomeness. Better yet, educate some one on the facts of Down syndrome not the myths.

 

Here is another thing you can do....give to a charity that provides services to those families who have Down syndrome. Heck, offer to babysit! There are many organizations out there. This is the one that I know about: 

Heartbeats for Down Syndrome. This organization was founded by four mom's whose children happen to have Down syndrome. Together they collect care packages and deliver them to Children's Hospital Boston. Their loving packages for the patient and families with Down Syndrome give a moment of comfort when they are facing cardiac surgery or long-term hospital stays. To find out how you can help please visit their  website or Facebook page!

Sign-up or support some one who is participating in this year's Best Buddies event(s). Best Buddies is not limited to Down syndrome, but encompasses all of our children with developmental disabilities.

There are many other organizations that provide support and encouragement. But acknowledging World Down Syndrome Day doesn't mean you have to give to charity. You can just wear Lots of Socks, a blue or yellow t-shirt or all 3!

 

 

So spread the word, we have 9 more days to let everyone know about this cool event. And bonus, you won't have to worry about that missing sock the dryer ate.

photo credit: ndss.org