Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Down Syndrome Awareness

As some of you may already know, October is Down syndrome awareness month. Hmm, you know...before Dylan came into my life, I certainly never knew this about October. What that means to me, is that we need to spread the word!! Get the information out there so that more people become aware, more comfortable, less scared, appreciative and educated about Down syndrome - not just the technical chromosome Trisomy 21 stuff, but the personal side of Down syndrome as well. You know, the real deal. I want people to see our beautiful kids and how truly wonderful their lives are...

You can read more about the "31 for 21" challenge at the link below, but I especially LOVE this part:

Why should I do it?
This is the one question I can be unambiguous about. I propose you do it in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. One thing I can say certainly, is that writing--blogging specifically--has helped me in numerous ways as the mother of a child with Down syndrome. I value the people I have met, the friends I have made, and the information I have gathered on blogs. Wouldn't it be wonderful if new parents googled Down syndrome and our blogs came up? What a welcome wagon that would be!

http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/the-2nd-annual.html?cid=132965713#comment-132965713


I am going to try to post every day. We are also going to attend the Down syndrome Buddy Walk on October 12th. I am slowly but surely making my way into the Down syndrome community...the internet one and the real life kind. : )

Is there anything that you can think of to do to increase Down syndrome awareness?

3 comments:

~KC: said...

I agree with you Laurie, I think education is the key. Do all we can to educate (in real life and via internet) as many people as possible about the personal side of Down syndrome, so everybody can see their beauty and strengths. People need to understand that if we give them a chance the Down syndrome community can bring lots of joy and wisdom to our lives and therefore be an important part of our society. You are a GREAT advocate for Dylan and that makes me happy!!!. Thank you so much for this EXCELLENT and LOVELY post!!!. :D

Lis said...

That is a great idea! I added the 31 for 21 to my siggy!!

Kimberly said...

I was wondering if there was a buddy walk in my area. If you go to this web site you can locate one near you! It is on the NDSS web site.
http://www.buddywalk.org/
Lets start blogging! I will comment on your blogs every day too! :)
Lets think of some topics for Laur. Tomorrow should be your best memory with Dylan so far. I think I know what that is.....