October is Down Syndrome Awareness month! I'm sure your asking, well that's good, but what reason do you have to write about it? Well, it was placed on Amanda and I's best friends hearts to adopt a little boy who has Down Syndrome. He was born by a Mom who was found to have cocaine in her blood during birth. This Mom also has 7 or 8 other children that have been taken away from her. If it was in her blood during birth, I cannot imagine what she did during the pregnancy. However, God had a plan for this little boy. Big plans. He was to enter into our friends lives, and ours as well, and flip it upside down. Faced with the difficulty of answering so many questions of why they would take on this "challenge" as well as how hard it is going to be, our friends held strong with the belief that God was telling them this was His plan and He was going to provide for them. The first visit to Malachi in the hospital was all it took. Our friends knew that he was going to become their son and they would love every part of raising this little man. They saw what the world does not see. They saw a little boy in need of a loving home and potential.
I have seen that sometimes it can get difficult with him. BUT THIS IS NOT BECAUSE HE HAS DOWN SYNDROME. Let me repeat, they do not get upset because he has down syndrome, it is because he is a child just like you and I were at one point and children, as I have found out, are going to be difficult sometimes.
He is joy to be around and to watch grow and learn new things. Unfortunately, he will be faced with oppression at some point because we live in an unaccepting world. However, Josh, Erin, Amanda, Bryson, and myself will be standing behind him giving him our full support, love, and encouragement. Since he still just a little guy this means raising awareness of what Down Syndrome is. Something call the Buddy Walk has been developed to raise this awareness as well as funds to improve the quality of life for people living the Down Syndrome. Amanda and I will being involved with this and it is actually happening in a couple weeks. I know times are hard now which is why a donation is even more appreciated. If you feel like you could donate please follow this link and contribute as you feel lead.
You can donate through myself or make a general donation towards the cause.
However, it is completely understandable if you are not able to make a financial donation. I know Erin and Josh would appreciate you to think about how you view people who are "different" than yourself. How do you respond verbally and non verbally to people of different race, culture, or even people that look different? Could any of those actions be considered oppressive towards them? Are they really that different from yourself?
I know this is a long blog, but take another minute to read through some facts about Down Syndrome from the National Down Syndrome Society's web page:
- Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
- Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.
- There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
- Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
- The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
- People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
- A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
- Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
- People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
- All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
- Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
- Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.
Thanks! Here is a pic of Malachi and Bryson!
Love Will Amanda and Bryson
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