Down Syndrome Public Awareness Campaign

WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY - 21ST MARCH

The 21st March each year has been earmarked as WORLD DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY. The first one being held in 2006. This is a great reason for us to celebrate here in SA as this also so happens to be Human Rights Day. The 21st MARCH was identified do to the significance of the date 21/3. People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome (3 instead of 2)on the 21st chromosome.

In South Africa we will be promoting awareness by appearing on National Television and certain radio stations discussing Down syndrome as well as giving talks at schools and companies. Branches will be hosting various activities such as'Buddy Walks' (time and venue to be confirmed).

Help us to raise awareness around this condition by assisting us in selling green ribbons to be worn the week of our awareness days (both national and international) Ribbons are sold for +/- R5.00ea.

If your school would like us to give a talk on Down syndrome please contact us on 011-484-8890/1.

2009 ALSO CELEBRATES DOWN SYNDROME 50 YEARS ON.

On March 21st, 2009, World Down Syndrome Day will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of Professor Jerome Lejeunes discovery of the extra copy of chromosome 21 which causes of Down Syndrome.

Now known as trisomy-21 because of the third copy of the 21st chromosome, Down Syndrome was first described by the English doctor, John Langdon Down in 1866 but until Professor Lejeunes publication in 1959, the ultimate cause of Down Syndrome was unknown.

Professor Lejeune and Dr Langdon Down are regarded as the pre-eminent contributors to our present understanding of Down Syndrome, not only because of their research into Down Syndrome, but also because each of them contributed much of their own time and money to advocating on behalf of Down Syndrome people and their families.

Down Syndrome organisations around the world this year will pay tribute to the pioneering work of Professor Lejeune and celebrate the tremendous advances in the care and social welfare of people with Down Syndrome over the past fifty years.

The President of Down Syndrome International, Mrs Penny Robertson said that 'Professor Lejeune provided inspiration to parents and professionals who met him and drew strength and hope from his optimism and his simple and profound dedication to humanity. The Lejeune Institute in Paris continues to sponsor research in this area.

'But while there is much to be proud of in western countries in the services provided for people and families with Down syndrome, there is still an enormous amount of work to be done in many countries', Mrs Penny Robertson added.

PREPARED BY DOWN SYNDROME INTERNATIONAL IN PREPARATION FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY 21ST MARCH 2009.

Please go to www.worlddownsyndromeday.org or www.tri21.info. to find out more information on this day and activities in other countries.