You’re magical, says NPO founder

ON 20 October, National Down Syndrome Day is commemorated to create awareness about Down syndrome and to communicate facts about the condition.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and characteristic physical features. Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 in a baby’s cells.
In the vast majority of cases, this isn’t inherited and is simply the result of a one-off genetic mistake in the sperm or egg.

Many babies born with Down syndrome are diagnosed with the condition after birth and are likely to have reduced muscle tone leading to floppiness (hypotonia), eyes that slant upwards and outwards, a small mouth with a protruding tongue, a flat back of the head and below-average weight and length at birth.

“Although there is no ‘cure’ for Down syndrome, there are ways to help children with the condition develop into healthy and fulfilled individuals who are able to achieve the level of independence right for them. It is important to remember each child is different and it is not possible to predict how individuals will develop,” said Trudy Chetty, founder of NPO You’re Magical.

Trudy’s son Tristyn was her inspiration for founding the group, which is designed to assist people with Down Syndrome and to let them know they are special, gifted and unique.

“Our mission is to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with a disability, including Down Syndrome. We will accomplish this mission by empowering and supporting families and individuals who have been touched by Down syndrome. We want to work together to increase education, promote public understanding and acceptance, work toward full inclusion, and defend the civil rights of individuals with Down Syndrome,” said Trudy.

If you want to be part of this support group, contact Trudy on 083 318 1276 or Trudychetty@webmail.co.za.