World Down Syndrome Day!!!

Again a little late....I really thought I had posted this already, but just now, I realized that it was still sitting in my "notes" section on my desktop just waiting to be posted.....

March 21st was World Down Syndrome Day....that day I sat down and wrote the following words.......

Today is World Down Syndrome Day!!

So….

What does that mean??

Take a minute to learn a little about this amazing day of awareness. 

March 21st is “World Down Syndrome Day” (WDSD). Seem like an odd or random day for such a thing?? Not really. March 21st has been selected as WDSD because it is the 21st day of the third month. Still a little confused?? Typically, each chromosome in a persons genetic make up have is a pair. However, in those with Down Syndrome, instead of duplication of the 21st chromosome, there is triplication resulting in three of the 21st chromosome. So March being the 3rd month signifies the triplication of the chromosome and the 21st signifies chromosome 21. 

A little history on this day….

Many countries around the world first celebrated WDSD in 2006; however March 21st was officially declared as World Down Syndrome Day by the UN in December of 2011 as the General Assembly stated beginning in 2012, March 21st would be observed yearly as WDSD. 

Why is this day important??

This is a tough question to answer in a brief message as this day is important for many reasons. I will keep it short though. Today is a day where awareness can be spread and advocacy can occur. Individuals with Down Syndrome are extremely amazing people. Unfortunately, in many countries this is not believed….and it would be naive to think that everyone in the United States was accepting of those with Down Syndrome. I bet we would all be a little shocked if we dove into statistics regarding abortion rates once parents discover their child has Down Syndrome.

One story I read within the past year provided information regarding Iceland and the attempt to almost “eliminate” Down Syndrome from their country. Close to 100% percent of unborn babies with Down Syndrome are aborted…let that sink in…almost ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. Those that choose not to abort are viewed as selfish for taking up resources and funds. What is even more horrific is the fact that the main hospital that completes these abortions hands the family a card that includes the sex and weight of the baby AND THE BABY’S FOOTPRINTS. If that does not anger you or make you sad, then I do not know what would. 

Other statistics…

• In Denmark, of those women who knew their baby had down syndrome, all except FOUR chose to end the pregnancy. (2017)
• Iceland - 98% are aborted (2017)
• United States - 67% are aborted (2017)
• France - 77% are aborted (2017)

I do not want to turn this into a debate over abortion laws, rather, I want this to raise awareness that due to lack of education in MANY countries, a high percentage of mothers are choosing to abort their baby due to a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. I would think that this comes from a place of fear and worry. Fear of the inability to care for a child with special needs. Worry about the child’s future. BUT….if you have ever had the pleasure to spend time with anyone who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, then I think you would agree that they are the most amazing human beings. I truly, wholeheartedly believe that we are all to live our lives just as those with Down Syndrome do. They love without judgment and they love well. Just as God intended for HIS people. There is so much hatred going on in the world today. So much jealousy, judgment, anger, fighting, murder, etc. If we were all to LOVE each other just as individuals with Down Syndrome do, then this world would be one amazing place. 

I have been blessed to work with MANY kids and teenagers with Down Syndrome. Each child was unique in their own way; however one similarity amongst all was their ability to love no matter what the circumstance. The joy, the laughter, the smiles….that is how we are to carry ourselves through life by radiating nothing but JOY and LOVE. All the kiddos I have worked with have this figured out….it is time that we all figure it out as well. 

So today….and EVERY DAY….let’s advocate for Down Syndrome. Let’s educate and spread awareness. And let us all pray that one day the rate of abortions will decrease and the world will be blessed with a lot more love and joy!

3rd and BEST Health Fair!!!!

February 20^th marked the 3^rd special needs health fair. The health fair is by far a highlight of the year not only for myself, but for many others within Haiti as well as many from the states. Three main organizations join forces and host the health fair each year, typically in February. This year the therapy volunteers included: 23 rehab professionals, 5 therapy students, 4 layman, and 9 translators. I am not 100% sure of the numbers of the other volunteers but it was around 40-45. It was definitely the biggest turn out for the fair to date. It was a HUGE blessing to have so many people on hand, but even more amazing to witness each volunteers love for not only the children, but also their families.

The fair included:

- hand washing

- malnutrition screening

- nutrition education

- tooth brushing

- massage/therapy brush

- therapy ball training

- home exercise training

- medical evaluations

- therapy evaluations

All the booths were successful and each family received a therapy ball and therapy brush along with educational handouts for both.

For the therapy portion of the fair, each child received a basic therapy evaluation/screening. During this time, the needs for each child were determined. This year we were extremely blessed to have a speech therapist, a hand therapist, and an orthotist volunteer their time. It was so amazing to have volunteers within these specialities this year. I will definitely be praying for each of these areas to be covered in the following years for the fair.

Typically, I would post about how many kids attended the fair along with all the equipment each child received; however numbers do not really matter. The bigger picture is what really matters. The fact that God’s light shined down in ways that we could not have imagined is most important. Witnessing children and families rejoice in receiving a piece of equipment that not only promotes further development, but equipment that makes life just a tad bit easier. Witnessing a child smile and clap in a new stander or reach out their hand to wave while seated in a new chair. Witnessing a caregiver receiving advice on feeding and drinking that will prevent his/her child from aspirating. Witnessing kiddos dance and laugh without a care in the world for just a little while. The smiles. The newfound sparkle in a caregiver’s eye. The deafening laughter. All of this is what matters. 

Numbers may matter for things such as funding and grants. But at the end of the day, what actually matters is that God’s love, grace, and mercy overwhelmed an event that satan would have rather not occurred. The fact that God’s light was shining through each and every volunteer is what matters. Each and every child was received just as Jesus receives him/her – with love. It was a day spent where children and families did not have to worry about what others would think or say. It was a day full of joy. A day where parents proudly showed off their child and their new equipment. It was a day where nothing overcame the laughter as each child was celebrated. 

The health fair is near and dear to my heart. Many of us have witnessed it evolve over the years and this year was by far the most amazing year yet. The volunteers that gathered under one roof (or under the hot sun) were specifically hand picked by God. No doubt in my mind about this. God knew why He called each and every volunteer to this event. And I now know as well. I had the pleasure of witnessing each and every person LOVE, truly LOVE, the kids AND their families. It was simply amazing. God is good!!

Now enjoy some pictures from the amazing event – take a little time to really soak in the smiles you will see – these smiles are definitely straight from God :)