Got socks?

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day!

The United Nations has designated March 21, 2013 as World Down Syndrome Day, a day to recognize terrific individuals who have Down syndrome. Countries from around the world will be wearing Lots of Socks to celebrate! I want everyone I know, either in real-life or this blogging one to participate.

On 3/21/13, to celebrate the unique Down syndrome person, please participate in Lots of Socks! I am inviting you (and everyone you know) to wear brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, long socks, short socks, printed socks, one or two or three socks. If socks are not your style consider wearing a blue or yellow t-shirt in recognition of our friends who have Down syndrome. Or better yet, do both!

This is a great way to demonstrate that although the socks are different, they are still socks. Just as a child with Down syndrome (or any special needs) is still a child.

For those who may not know, children with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome 21, giving them 3. The good news is that with knowledge and medical advances the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has risen from age 25 in 1983 to age 60 today! People with Down syndrome attend school, work and participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. And while all people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, the effect can range from mild to moderate to severe.

So just like any child, a child with Down syndrome has unknown possibilities.

I hope you and your children will celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome by wearing lots of socks on 3/21.
For more information:
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress http://www.mdsc.org/
National Down Syndrome Society http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/
World Down Syndrome Day http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/