Wednesday, September 30, 2009

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Did you know that? I'll bet you also didn't know...

*Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that has an occurrence rate of one in every 800 - 1,100 live births.
*It affects people of all ages, races, nationalities, and economic levels.
*Down Syndrome is one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormalities.
*Down Syndrome's most common form is Trisomy 21.
The common physical characteristics are: low muscle tone, depressed nasal bridge and small nose, upward slant to the eyes, abnormal shape of the ear, single crease across the center of the palm, and large tongue in relation to the size of the mouth.
The common health concerns are; congenital heart defects, increased susceptibility to infection, respiratory problems, obstructed digestive tracts, childhood leukemia, shortened life expectancy and autoimmune problems.



I'll bet you DID know that we are the luckiest family in the world to be able to celebrate this wonderful 'occurrence' in our family!! Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month - if you know a person with Down Syndrome, you can't be anything BUT happy!!

4 comments:

Jen said...

Love.

Colin and Ranie said...

I LOVE AL!

Nikki said...

We love our Down Syndrome family! I have an aunt who is 46, and I feel so lucky to have "grown up" with her. We are lucky people to have them in our lives!

Teresa said...

I came across your blog from Cali's blog. I have cried so many tears for them and then ecstatic when she was pregnant again. I was just a little worried since she had not posted lately. Keeping you guys in our prayers.