Letter to the Editor 10-2-20

Dear Editor –
Although advocacy is a year-round activity, October is the busiest month for Down Syndrome Awareness activities. October has been Down Syndrome Awareness Month with thousands of Buddy Walks being held throughout the nation for years. Due to the current environment, The North Central Kansas Down Syndrome Society (NCKDSS) has changed their normal Buddy Walk to multiple smaller events across the area. The Concordia area families invite the public to join them Sunday, October 4th to several events. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. the Concordia Taco John’s will support the NCKDSS in Crunch for a Cause. Mention you are there supporting the NCKDSS and they’ll donate 20% of your order! The Incredible Scavenger Hunt will begin at 1:30 p.m. and go until 3:30 p.m. The hunt is not timed and participants can do as much or as little as they want. Can’t make it until 2:30, no problem! Drop by the Concordia Lutheran Church and pick up a Scavenger bag and start the fun. There is no charge to the event and along the way they’ll earn raffle tickets for a group of prizes at the Concordia Lutheran Church. At 4:00 p.m. a Cruise for Awareness Car Parade will begin at the lower parking lot of the College. The parade will be led by our Star Donnie Tate and will cruise by the nursing homes and our NCKDSS Stars Team celebrations ending at the Concordia Heritage Walking path to end the day’s events with a Walk. We encourage the public to join us at the Walk or Walk throughout the day on their own.
Although more than 90% of pregnancies diagnosed with Down syndrome are terminated, 1 in 733 children born in the United States has Down syndrome. For parents, other relatives and friends this is a different path than expected; for most, we learn quickly that we were blessed. 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. Although the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, 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. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. 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. This is why we need your help. By joining us in celebrating the accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome or by making a monetary donation or purchasing raffle tickets we can do more! Contributions benefit the NCKDSS and the National Down Syndrome Society with education, research and advocacy initiatives. By becoming one of our “Buddies” you enable us to offer services that support and enhance the quality of life for our children, families and all individuals with Down syndrome.  You can log on to www.nckdss.org or contact a member for information; contributions can be made to NCKDSS, 616 E 13th, Concordia.
Please join us Sunday for our events in Concordia.
Shella Thoman
North Central Kansas Down Syndrome Society