March 22, 2008 — At the Frederiksted Boys and Girls Club, children were gleefully laughing and running around playing games Saturday. It was like many days at the club, but this was a special afternoon, as more than two dozen kids and adults marked World Down Syndrome Day.
The members at the club agreed to host a "buddy" that day to enjoy arts and crafts as well have fun, according to organizer Rebecca A. Russell.
Russell said she had invited the public to the club to become familiar and comfortable with individuals with Down syndrome (DS).
"I would like to bridge the gap between people with Down syndrome and the rest of society through a support system that seeks to integrate them fully into the community in which we live," Russell said.
"Today allows our parents and others to network. It is also the perfect setting to allow children to accept and embrace diversity."
Russell's three-year old son, Melchiah, has Down syndrome. She said the energetic toddler has brought a unique balance to her family that she wants to share with everyone.
Gladys Byrne, mother of Diego, a four-month-old with DS, was in attendance with an invited group of friends from the Tamarind Moms Group. The group came to learn about DS and show support for Byrne.
"I have found out that parents of DS children have a different set of challenges, and I'm here to support Gladys," said Cat Lenhart from the moms group.
"So far things are going well with Diego," Byrne said. "He is where he should be developmentally." Diego said she has had a lot of help with all sorts of therapy from the Charles Harwood Hospital staff.
According to Russell, DS is comprised of a set of mental and physical symptoms that result from having an extra copy of chromosome 21. In Down syndrome, that extra chromosome changes the body and brain’s normal development. Down syndrome is usually associated with cognitive impairment, changes in physical growth and distinctive facial appearance.
Individuals with Down syndrome tend to have mild to moderate learning disabilities.
Early childhood intervention, screening for common problems, medical treatments, a conducive family environment, and vocational training are all factors that can improve the overall development of children with Down syndrome.
The health problems that can go along with Down syndrome can be treated. There are many resources within the community to help children and their families who are living with the condition.
World Down Syndrome Day is marked on March 21. Down syndrome organizations throughout the world organize and participate in events to raise funding and/or public awareness for DS. The March 21 date signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome linked to Down syndrome.
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