Every year, on March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) represents a global day of awareness and education regarding genetic conditions.
According to the initiative’s website, the goal is to “better understanding and support people with Down syndrome.” WDSD has been formally observed by the United Nations since 2012.
On Friday, Fox News contributor Tom Shillue headed to Times Square in New York City to talk to New Yorkers about their WDSD awareness. (See the video at the top of this article.)
Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Answer 5 Key Questions
Shillue spoke with Daniel Schreck, chairman of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, a global nonprofit that focuses on research and advocacy for people with genetic and intellectual disabilities.
Shrek also has a daughter with Down syndrome.
Daniel Shrek, chairman of the Jerome Rejoune Foundation and father of a daughter with Down syndrome on the left, spoke with Fox News contributor Tom Silhe on World Down syndrome Day. (Fox News)
When asked about general fears and misconceptions about conditions, Shrek spoke about perceived restrictions.
“The most important thing is, like any other disorder, when you have Down syndrome, you can live a rich life and have nothing to fear,” he said.
A family of a child with Down syndrome felt grateful from shock: “I lost the air in my chest.”
“And more, people with Down syndrome are the happiest people you’ve ever met, so there’s nothing to fear.”
The date of WDSD on the 21st day of the third month was chosen to commemorate the trisomy of chromosome 21, which is the cause of Down syndrome.
Daniel Shrek’s daughter, Rose, has Down syndrome. “People with Down syndrome are the happiest people you’ve ever met, so there’s nothing to fear,” Shrek told Fox News contributor Tom Silhe. (Daniel Shrek)
Shrek joked that the extra chromosomes “make you happy.”
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His son, Danny, also joined the conversation to discuss his sister, Rose.
The date of WDSD on the 21st day of the third month was chosen to commemorate the trisomy of chromosome 21, which is the cause of Down syndrome. (istock)
“She’s really fun being around,” Danny Shrek said.
“It’s a bit strange to see everyone else compared to her. She’s so happy, just having everyone else walking down her head.”
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Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition.
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According to the National Down Syndrome Association, approximately 5,000 babies with Down Syndrome are born in the United States each year, with one in 775.
For more information, see below.
