Thursday, March 20, 2008

In honor of World Down Sydrome Day...

Friday, 3/21 has officially been earmarked as World Down Syndrome Day by World Down Syndrome International. The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome.
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This year the theme for 21 March 2008 is "Aim High Enough", to continue creating awareness about Down syndrome and promote acceptance of diversity.
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I do not have a child with Down's Syndrome, but I read a lot of blogs and somehow I've happened upon a lot of blogs about children and Down's Syndrome and their families efforts to make it known that their children are not that different from others, except that they are "Genetically Enhanced" (term taken from Ruby at The Zoromski Chronicles). So many of these children have other medical issues in addition to the Down's Syndrome and I am in awe as to how these parents handle every day life sometimes! I wanted to post this in honor of all those who are "Genetically Enhanced"!
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There is one little girl named, Chelsea, who has Down's Syndrome but also has Leukemia. Chelsea's Mom is able to be with her at the hospital but unfortunately her Daddy has to work and does not get to be with them as much as they'd like. Chelsea's Mom is also a Mary Kay Consultant and this role has taken a backseat since Miss Chelsea was diagnosed with the Leukemia. You can imagine how emotionally taxing it can be to have a little one sick - but financially can be difficult as well. She has decided to pick back up her Mary Kay role for a bit and is promoting a March Madness Mascara Challenge. Basically - for every 20 mascaras that she sells, her husband could take a whole day off work with pay and spend it with Chelsea at the hospital while she undergoes her chemotherapy! Her goal for March is to sell 100 mascaras - so far she's sold 67 and her husband is taking off tomorrow (with pay)!! If you need mascara - link over to her blog and see if the Mary Kay mascara might be something your interested in or just link over and read Chelsea's story - she is one amazing little girl!
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Other blogs that I read/lurk on about Genetically Enhanced kids and their families (I hope they don't mind me posting their web addressess here):
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Take a look at some of the above (or all) - they are amazing families!

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