Kirsty Scott-McDonald
Family Resource Manager
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day. People from around the world—both those who are already part of the Down syndrome community and those who have yet to experience the joy of our world—come together to celebrate the successes, individuality, and contributions of our friends with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition and around 5,000 babies across the globe are born with Down syndrome each year. However, as we have learned from our Congratulations Project, not every parent is met with the same excitement and celebration of their baby being born with Down syndrome as they would be if their baby was not born with Down syndrome. For this reason, we believe that celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is crucial to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and recognizing the potential in each person with Down syndrome.
At PALS, we want people to know that having Down syndrome is not something to fear; it is just one piece of our Partners that makes them unique. As one of our Partners once wrote, Down syndrome is a part of who our Partners are, and they are “proud of it”. Our Partners are actors and authors, students and friends. Our Partners are athletes and gamers, teachers and advocates. And, they have Down syndrome. Success may look different, and journeys may be winding, but “with the right help, [we will] find our way.”
This summer, we will celebrate each of our 500 Partners across 12 programs, and even more who will join us for our Friday night dances or Visit Days. Together, we will take on new challenges, try new things, and build deep connections. Throughout the year, we learn from our Self Advocacy Committee and work in partnership with this group to make decisions behind the scenes so that our programs can be better than ever.
As World Down Syndrome Day approaches, we hope you will consider celebrating with your local community and sharing in the joy and excitement of the day. We also have some spots available for adult Peer volunteers this summer, so consider this your reminder! At the link below, we have included some events hosted by organizations we work closely with near each program this summer, and many of our Partners are already part of these organizations. Check out THIS LINK to see what’s happening near you!
We can’t wait to see how our community celebrates this special day! Tag us in your celebrations on social media!