#SpreadTheLove
World Down's Syndrome Day 2019
My family and I joined the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Support Group when we arrived in sunny Cornwall over three years ago and I am an active member of the group. The CDSSG is a parent volunteer-led charity that is self-funded. I help in any way that I can and more recently I started to assist with fundraising.
My love of Disco Beads and having the local DB shop nearby I approached them to see if we could collaborate and create a charity bracelet which would help to raise awareness and funds for our group. The answer was unanimous and our WDSD friendship bracelet was born just over a year ago.
A simple but very elegant bracelet that is simply tied to the wrist with a double knot or alternatively tied in a bow to make it easier to put on or off. Disco Beads are Funky and Reflective, so take a photo with a flash to see the magic!
£1 from every bracelet sold goes to support the great work we do at Cornwall Down's Syndrome Support Group. The CDSSG is a parent-led group which offers support to families and carers of those with Down’s Syndrome living in Cornwall and has been established for over 20 years. We hold regular support groups, organise training courses and workshops, organise family events and much more. We offer families a chance to meet, socialise and share information, friendship and support.
Order your own beautiful bracelet here
Find out more about Cornwall Down's Syndrome Support Group at www.cdssg.org.uk.
World Downs Syndrome Day! (WDSD)
The Down’s syndrome community celebrate WDSD on the 21st day of the third month to replicate chromosome 21 on the Down’s Syndrome Karyotype map shown below. We celebrate the day in all sorts of ways and many wear funky, brightly coloured, mismatched socks to help raise awareness, show support and promote inclusiveness for those living with Down’s syndrome.
What is Down’s Syndrome?
Down’s Syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in a baby’s cells. In the majority of cases, Down’s Syndrome is not an inherited condition. Down’s Syndrome usually occurs because of a chance happening at the time of conception. A person with Down’s syndrome has forty-seven chromosomes instead of the usual forty-six.
What causes Down’s Syndrome?
As yet we do not know what causes the presence of an extra chromosome 21. It can come from either the mother or father. There is no way of predicting whether a person is more or less likely to make an egg or sperm with 24 chromosomes.
There is a definite link with advanced maternal age for reasons yet unknown. However, most babies with Down’s Syndrome are born to women under the age of 35, as younger women have higher fertility rates.
What we do know is that no one is to blame. Nothing done before or during pregnancy can cause Down’s Syndrome. It occurs in all races, social classes and in all countries throughout the world. It can happen to anyone.
People with Down’s syndrome all have a certain degree of learning disability. This means that they develop and learn more slowly than other children. However, most children with Down’s syndrome today will walk and talk, most will read and write, go to mainstream school and look forward to a semi-independent adult life. Down’s syndrome is not an illness. People with Down’s syndrome do not ‘suffer’ as a result of the condition.
With early intervention from parents and professionals and continued stimulation throughout life, most people with Down’s syndrome will achieve well beyond former expectations.
How Common is Down’s syndrome?
On average, two babies are born with Down’s syndrome each day in the UK. For every 1000 babies born, one will have Down’s syndrome.
Although the chance of having a baby with Down’s syndrome rises with maternal age, the majority of babies are born to younger women, since the overall birth rate is higher in this age group.
For more information about Down’s syndrome visit : https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
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