Achieving Your Full Potential Through Down Syndrome Awareness
In 1989, a TV series called “Life Goes On” taught us about what life is like for Down syndrome children and their families. We laughed and cried with “Corky,” who brought Down syndrome awareness to the spotlight. Since the 80s, the average life expectancy has more than doubled from 25 to beyond 55 and a climate of normalcy for the families affected by this common condition. Doctors are now able to test for Down syndrome in the first trimester, while organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society offers better programs to assist families.
The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is “to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.” They feel that everyone has the right to reach their potential and that people with Down syndrome should have the opportunity to make choices affecting their lives. Part of Down syndrome knowledge is pushing for better educational programs to help children with Down syndrome achieve their goals. Through the organization, parents can collect valuable resources and connect with local support groups. Down syndrome children can link up with local programs sponsored in part by NDSS, where they can foster a love of art, music or sports and gain the necessary tools to live a relatively independent life.
In addition to Chris Burke, from “Life Goes On” and “Touched by an Angel,” there are many other notable individuals with Down syndrome who are ambassadors for Down Syndrome Awareness and serve as inspiration for Down syndrome children, adults and families. Actors include: Stephane Ginnsz (Duo), Max Lewis (Notes on a Scandal), Edward Barbanell (The Ringer) and award winner Paula Sage (AfterLife, BBC Scotland’s River City soap). Additionally, Joey Moss works as a locker room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers, Judith Scott works as an artist, Miguel Tomasin is the singer for the Argentinian rock band “Reynols” and Karen Gaffney works as a swimmer and motivational speaker. There are also people with Down syndrome who are children of famous people, like Isabella Pujols, the adopted daughter of the St. Louis Cardinal’s first basemen, or Johnny Stallings, son of former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings.
It’s a shame that 90% of the parents who receive a pre-natal Down syndrome diagnosis choose to abort their babies. Any proud parent of a Down syndrome baby can tell you that the road hasn’t always been easy, yet is it ever when raising any child? Yet, the amount of joy that this little person brings into your life is immeasurable. With greater Down syndrome awareness, perhaps more parents will choose life for their babies, knowing that a socially accepted future is waiting for them.
