WORLD Down Syndrome Day, observed on 21 March every year, is a global awareness day 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. “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.
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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.
If you want to be part of this support group or want more information on Down syndrome, contact Trudy at: trudychetty@webmail.co.za, 081 022 2500.
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