Down syndrome occurs when there are 3 copies of chromosome 21 instead of just 2. This extra chromosome causes low muscle tone, developmental delays, an intellectual disability, and associated health issues.
Of course this is a topic that is important to me because my daughter has Down syndrome. Jaycee is now 11 years old, so we have been on our journey of Down syndrome for over a decade. We still come across people who aren't exactly sure what Down syndrome is or why Jaycee was born with it. We also come across people who can't see beyond her diagnosis. These people and encounters remind me of why Down syndrome Awareness Month is still needed.
The NDSS says that this month is designed to spread awareness and make others "aware of our abilities and accomplishments. It's not about celebrating disabilities, it's about celebrating abilities."
With this is mind, I'll try to use this month to celebrate, educate, and showcase aspects of Jaycee's life. Every day, I'll be sharing a post on the topic of Down syndrome. At the end of the month, I hope you'll realize that:
Down syndrome has been a part of my daughter's life, but it hasn't been the totality of her life.
Check back every day for a new post! Hope to see you tomorrow.
Thanks for joining in on 31 for 21 again! :)
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