March 21 is known as World Down Syndrome Day. It is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date, being the 21st day of the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows. Around one in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome. It occurs naturally and there is no known cause.
People will typically wear odd/mismatched socks on this day to raise awareness for Down syndrome. The concept comes from the chromosomes, as they are shaped like socks.
On Thursday, March 21, students and staff members at Crissey will wear colorful/ mismatched socks to recognize this day. A special thanks to two of our Crissey teachers, Mr. Kistner and Mr. Kaczmarek, for leading this event at our school.
Information was taken from worlddown syndromeday.org. Visit the site for more information on Down syndrome.
