MY AWARENESS CONTINUES!

This week The Captain and I will be taking our precious LT to have surgery. It's nothing major like open heart surgery but I am still a nervous basket case because she will be put to sleep for the procedure. I would advise anyone that considers the Bone Anchored Hearing Appliance this...do not watch You Tube videos of the procedure. It does not help. This is what will be happening.  http://youtu.be/ZgH0WhjjozM

Please keep her in your prayers.
She is the strongest person I know.
The Captains Wife

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.   (LT has trisomy 21)

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome. (I hit the jackpot!)

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. (400,000 plus amazing people!) 

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. (sweet)

• 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% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. (I was 28 and she was my 1st born)

• 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. (Hey we have 4 on the list. We are still rockin)

• 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. (PS, They are NOT ALL HAPPY 100% of the time)

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. (This is awesome! I pray my LT is with me a long time)

• 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.

These are some of the facts out there. The one major fact is...THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS. Thank you for reading!!

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