Did you know that one in every 691 babies in the US is born with Down syndrome?  

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition and is caused by an extra chromosome.   March 21st of each year is World Down Syndrome day because the extra or partial chromosome occurs in the 21st pair (of our standard 23 pairs).   This year; PAC was honored to be invited along for an evening picnic in the park with the Down Syndrome Network and Arizona families who are affected by Down Syndrome.

The weather in the Valley of the Sun this spring has been fantastic, and Tempe has been no exception!   Everyone got together to celebrate at Kiwanis park, a local greenbelt area with lakes, playgrounds, and rolling grassy hills.  There was great music, tasty food, volleyball, playground activities, a bounce house, and even a petting zoo.   As everyone knows, its not a party until two chickens are riding an alpaca!

PAC volunteers really had a blast capturing all the fun and the smiles – not to mention some impressive moves on the makeshift dance floor.  Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by so many friendly, cheerful people in my life.  As one volunteer put it;  “[This is] my idea of happy hour!”

Surprisingly, Down syndrome is the least funded major genetic condition.   While there are a few organizations such as Down Syndrome Network of Arizona striving to improve awareness and accessibility to care for families affected by Down syndrome, much more can be done.   To learn more about Down syndrome and how you can get involved, please visit the Down Syndrome Network at  http://dsnetworkaz.org/.

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Cusi Taylor