Down Syndrome: There's nothing down about Down Syndrome.

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

Your having a baby! What a blessing, a sweet little being that was created with love. There arrival is so anticipated you can hardly stand it. Then you find out your baby has Down Syndrome. Weather that was through testing before the baby was born or after you gave birth. Either way its not the easiest news to process.

I didn't find out that Madeline had Down Syndrome until after she was born. The doctors described all the signs and features of DS, and that through testing she had a positive result for Trisomy 21.

You think "Well what did I do wrong?" "How did this happen?" "What will there life be like?" "Why me?" "Why my child?" and so on, until your heart breaks in two.

It is an overwhelming feeling being told that your baby, whom you have barely got to know yet, my not talk, walk, run, play, or learn like everyone else. Eventually, maybe. But at a much slower pace. That's all I kept hearing them tell me... Slow. I was interviewed by multiple people asking me questions like "Did you know before she was born?" "What would you have done if you had of known?"

I'm tired, I had just gave birth for the first time. I didn't know what was going on. I just knew my baby was not normal and I was heart broken. I could only answer in single word answers. "No." I didn't know she had DS before she was born, I replied "what?" to her second question because I was confused as to even why she would ask that..."what would I have done?

- Learn, Research, prepare myself mentally, understand what I needed to do for her....."why?"

She then says "Well 80% of woman who find out there having a baby with DS have an abortion."

I just set there in total shock at what she just said. Then I grew angry. I just got up and walked away. Immediately going to Madeline's NICU room and demanding to hold her, I didn't care that she was covered in cords, wires, or whatever may inconvenience the nurses. I didn't care that she had DS, or a disability, or if she couldn't talk or learn, or run. She was my baby. Mine. I quickly learned in that moment I would spend my whole life defending her. This is not a burden, This is an honor. One I would not take lightly.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that affects a person's physical and intellectual development. It is caused by a genetic abnormality in which a person has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Typically, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, or 46 total, but a person with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome 21, resulting in 47 chromosomes.

The extra chromosome causes physical and intellectual characteristics associated with Down syndrome, such as almond-shaped eyes, a small nose and mouth, a short neck, and a small head. Down syndrome also often leads to intellectual disability, delayed development, and learning difficulties.

The severity of Down syndrome can vary from person to person. Some individuals may only have mild to moderate symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. Additionally, individuals with Down syndrome may have a greater risk of developing other health issues, such as heart defects, respiratory problems, and hearing and vision problems.

Although Down syndrome is a genetic condition, it is not hereditary. It occurs randomly in approximately 1 in every 700 live births, and it affects people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.

While there is no cure for Down syndrome, there are treatments and interventions available to help individuals with the condition reach their full potential. Early intervention programs, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, can help individuals with Down syndrome develop their physical and cognitive abilities. Special education programs and inclusive classrooms can also help individuals with Down syndrome learn and grow alongside their peers.

As a mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome. I will just say, don't listen to what people tell you about your child. They will learn, they will speak, they will play, laugh and love with all there hearts. They will look like you, and have a personality that is all there own.

My daughter showed me who she was all on her own. Madeline is brave and strong. Hard headed and funny. She gives the best hugs, and makes me smile no matter how I'm feeling. She is caring and playful. She has the purest of hearts. I look back now and realized that they were wrong. She is just like everyone else. Is our life different? "yes" but not in the ways you would think. I do still have to help her with almost everything at the age of eleven. And some days are harder than others. But I wouldn't change her in anyway. She is beautiful and smart. She loves to dance and sing. She is totally in love with her little sister and brother. Animals are her favorite. And she never stops amazing me with her wit and determination.

Having a child with a disability can be scary and challenging. I look at it like taking the scenic route. Your walking along down a worn path that others have taken before you. Yet suddenly you find yourself off track and your not sure which way to go. That can be scary, but yet you find a small trail that is longer and maybe a little more difficult to get through. But it is beautiful and you get to see amazing sites that you would not have gotten to see if you had stayed on the path most traveled.

Take the road less traveled by, there are more adventures there.

Keep your head up, There's nothing Down, about Down Syndrome.

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Thank you. Meagan and Madeline.