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We are an organization that is going to aid and include those with Down Syndrome into society, and not as second class citizens. We are equipping our families and community with this knowledge by offering workshops, monthly support group meetings, community events, TV commercials, and more. When you involve the community and local agencies, we believe that acceptance and inclusion will blend into one. Believe me, there is an UPside to Down Syndrome.
Since we have started UPside2Downs GOD has really moved us into many areas. We have been involved with many different agencies in the community. Spreading awareness and education is our number one goal. We vowed that we were not going to be another group that just assembled to sit and drink coffee, but instead to share our concerns and issues that we are having with this condition. We are here to encourage, educate and inspire our children and ourselves. Like I said before the only thing that can limit our children is us. We vow to accumulate the knowledge and resources to give our parents the tools to allow our kids success in life. We need each other to make it through this so be excited and involved with new ideas and comments to help us be the best we can be.
on the left
John Langdon Down on the right.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British physician who described the syndrome in 1866. The disorder was identified as a chromosome 21 trisomy by Jérôme Lejeune in 1959. The condition is characterized by a combination of major and minor differences in structure. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as facial appearance. Down syndrome in a baby can be identified with amniocentesis, a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy or at birth.
Mosaic
Mosaicism occurs when nondisjunction of chromosome 21 takes place in one-but not all-of the initial cell divisions after fertilization. When this occurs, there is a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and others containing 47. Those cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. Mosaicism accounts for about 1% of all cases of Down syndrome. Research has indicated that individuals with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome than those with other types of Down syndrome. However, broad generalizations are not possible due to the wide range of abilities people with Down syndrome possess.
Translocation
Translocation accounts for about 4% of all cases of Down syndrome. In translocation, part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. While the total number of chromosomes in the cells remain 46, the presence of an extra part of chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down syndrome.
Because a karyotype gives information about the total number of chromosomes present, it can diagnose conditions such as Down syndrome.
Trisomy 21
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called Trisomy 21.
Those that have knowledge restrains his words
since they now have been made aware of the truth
The number one fact is that these children do not need to be aborted. With the latest medical technology, different therapies and agencies available, the help is out there.
Down syndrome will not be the most interesting thing about your son or daughter. Remember that raising any child fills your life with unimaginable delight and difficulties. We can no longer predict how far our children will go.
I am convinced that the biggest handicap children with Down syndrome have is the low expectations of their parents.
Yes, you have to put some effort into these children to help enhance their developmental delays. When you think about that...isn't that every child.
Those who have Down Syndrome do not suffer from it nor are they retarded. They just require a little more help than others, but are capable of leading a productive life
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.
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.
There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
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.
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.
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.
Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 and up today.
Children with DS benefit from the same care, attention, and inclusion in community life that help every child grow. As with all children, quality education in neighborhood schools and preschools or at home is important to provide your child the opportunities that are needed to develop strong academic skills.
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.
Angel sent from Heaven
approved by GOD
Be Open and Honest
Limit the caregiving responsibilities of the sibling
Accept the disability so that you know how to help develop them
do not neglect spending time with the child without down syndrome
Let siblings settle their own differences
Welcome other children and friends in the home
Praise all the siblings
Recognize that they are the most important and powerful teachers
Listen to siblings
Involve all siblings in events and decisions
Require the child with Down syndrome to do as much for herself or himself
Recognize each child's unique qualities and contributions
Use professionals when indicated to help siblings
Teach siblings to interact
Please remember that in most cases, the sibling is going to be around his brother or sister longer in life. Please set the right example and show them the proper way that we should love, and support those with Down syndrome.
When brothers and sisters get along
It is important to remember that while children and adults with Down syndrome experience developmental delays, they also have many talents and gifts and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them.
Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but it is important to note that they are more like other children than they are different. Early Intervention services should be provided shortly after birth. These services should include physical, speech and developmental therapies. Most children attend their neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children have more significant needs and require a more specialized program.
Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of working in the community, but some require a more structured environment.
Those with Down syndrome will get married and have families of their own. YOU will make the decision how far your child goes in life.
1/3 of babies born with Down syndrome have heart defects
Almost half of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects. Some defects are minor and may be treated with medications, while others require surgery. All babies with Down syndrome should be examined by a pediatric cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases of children. They also should have an echocardiogram, a special ultrasound of the heart, in the first 2 months of life so that heart defects can be detected and treated, if needed .
2012
January
1 - New Year!!!
February
18 - Healthy Start is hosting: Molino's Biggest Baby Shower at Molino Park Elementary School located at 899 Hwy 87 Molino, Fl. between the hours of 9am - 12pm. ALL new and/or expecting parents are welcome to enjoy.
What we have done in the past?
What we've done in 2010
What we've done in 2011
Our friends Brian and Doreen live in England and have been very supportive with UPside2Downs since 2010 when we corresponded through email about our 2nd Annual Ride for Down syndrome Awareness. We asked him if he would be willing to support us with an item for our raffle and he was very generous in his giving, without question. We received many signed and limited edition artwork which helped us to raise money for our mission here in Pensacola, Fl.
Brian is no stranger to the Down syndrome community. I will let you read what he posted to me in our very first email. "Where my workshop is based over here , we have a learning center at the bottom of the road, and a number of the pupils are down syndrome, and we always have a chat with them when they are passing, and some of them very often visit us in the shop to see what I am doing from time to time, they are beautiful people and we always try to put a smile on their faces whenever we see them, and I always supply the center with prints when they have fund raising days in the summer." -Brian
He continues to support various charitable organizations in England and also here in the U.S. We thank Brian for his support of the Down syndrome community. Also we appreciate his continued support as he has graciously decided to continue his support with us in our 3rd Annual Ride also.
Check out our promo video airing on Cox Channel 39 each week, Saturday at 11:30am.
produced by our friends at
1st Annual
Motorcycle Ride
for
Down syndrome
Awareness
Early Steps is Florida's early intervention system that offers services to infants and toddlers (birth to thirty-six months) with significant delays or a condition likely to result in a developmental delay.
Our mission is to ensure through collaboration that Floridians have full access to family-driven support, education, information, resources and advocacy and to serve families of children with disabilities, ages birth through 26, who have the full range of disabilities described in section 602(3) of IDEA.
Mended Little Hearts offers resources and a caring support network as families find answers and move forward to find healing and hope.
Please tune in to radio station WRNE 980AM on Thursdays at 12:30pm. They have a show called 'Welcome to my World' aired live by Mark Stephens. He talks about many different subjects that relate to those with disabilities. Please listen to the show it is very informative. (478-6000)
This is a shelter of last resort for those people that need more medical supervision than a general Red Cross shelter can provide and have special medical needs, but do not require hospitalization.
Please click on "special needs shelter" at the website to see if you qualify.
The Miracle League of Pensacola provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field just like other kids.
SSI is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Individuals
Amelia McDonough
Ed Gray III
John Paynter
Leslie Korzicki
Maurice Moody
Nancy C. Hesselgrave
Nancy Harders
Regina Neal
Stephanie Dean
Businesses
B and B Auto Repair
Children's Clinic of Pensacola
Emerald Coast Dentistry
Faust Builders
Fishers of Men Ministries
Florida State Employee Federal Credit Union
Florida State Massage Therapy Association
Gulf Coast Pool and Spa
Hypnotized Kutz
Mark Downey and Associates
Pensacola Fuel Injection
Sandy Sansing
Southeastern Delivery, Inc.
Walmart
UPside2Downs welcomes donations throughout the year to support the families in our community with Down syndrome. There are many ways you can support this organization:
Please know that all monetary donations goes to provide literature, therapeutic equipment, community activities, assisting families in need with medical issues and more.
You can mail your donations to:
UPside2Downs
P.O. Box 7546
Pensacola, FL. 32534
Contact us at
Pensacola, Fl. 32534
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Heart Defects
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