This post is written by Colin Graham, a Section Manager, Mechanical Component Design, at Bruce Power about his two-year-old son, Logan, who is featured at the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre Lots of Socks display.
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the 3rd month every year, as Down Syndrome occurs with a triplication of the 21st chromosome.
This year, as in previous years, businesses in Kincardine (including Bruce Power) are participating in the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign, to get people talking about Down Syndrome. Socks are used as they signify pairs of chromosomes and also highlight how minor differences (like material and colour), don’t take away from the importance of their overall similarities – reinforcing how people with Down Syndrome are more alike than they are different. Storefronts in Kincardine have been adorned with displays of socks, and pictures of people in the community who have Down Syndrome. My son, Logan, has his picture up at the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre this year, and I couldn’t be happier with the support that this exposure provides for the Down Syndrome community and my family.
To spur conversation about Down Syndrome, I would like to talk about the way it impacts the people that have it, and those they interact with.
In recent studies it has been found that 99 per cent of people with Down Syndrome reported that they were happy with their lives. No other group polled comes even close to that number. Further, 97 per cent liked who they are and 96 per cent liked how they look. Nearly 99 per cent of people with Down Syndrome expressed love for their families and 97 per cent liked their brothers and sisters. The divorce rate for parents raising a child with Down Syndrome is just above 7 per cent; significantly lower than the average.
People with Down Syndrome have an overwhelmingly positive effect on other people around them, and reported they are living happy and fulfilling lives. My wife, Miranda, and I agree.
Logan has brought nothing but joy and excitement to our lives. The extra work that goes into every step of progress allows us to slow down and enjoy even the very small things that he accomplishes. We are excited every time he picks up a spoon to feed himself; ecstatic when he combines signs to communicate his needs and desires.
We couldn’t imagine Logan any other way, and look forward to every day with him. We wouldn’t change Logan for the world, and through the overwhelming support of the community, we are working to change the world for Logan
If you have any questions about Down Syndrome, or would like to get involved with the Lots of Socks campaign for next year, reach out to Kincardine Community Living at 519-396-9434 or clkd@tnt21.com.
