World Down Syndrome Day
On the 21st March, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, a day to raise awareness.
We invited Andrea Walzing to share a reflection for World Down Syndrome Day, to talk about her Prince Max, one of VOTO’s Volunteers.
21st March marks Trisomy 21 (21:3). But that’s where the similarities end – every person with Down Syndrome is unique. Max is 16, and like many in our community, he’s taught me this: happiness isn’t of itself, the end goal – purpose is.
The hardest part for families like ours are not our children, but the barriers and lack of opportunity placed in front of them. And yet, when people truly know individuals with Down Syndrome, they don’t just love them – they are changed by them. Max didn’t just change our lives – he changed what we see, what we value, and what we will no longer stay silent about. He gave us purpose.
So thank you to those creating opportunities – for Max and for others like him – to serve, connect, reach their potential and bring joy.
If I had one wish, it would be this: that those in power do more to support people of mixed ability to fulfil their potential.
In the interim I would like to wish Max and the rest of the Down Syndrome Community a very Happy World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
Do rock your socks in support of this delightful community.
Thank you
Andrea xxx
