If you see happen to see a number of people wearing wild socks today, don’t worry: these people didn’t have a laundry crisis, they are simply celebrating World Down Syndrome Day!
WDSD, celebrated each year on March 21st, is a day designated to promote awareness and understanding for individuals and families with Down syndrome. The message behind the socks is to convey that things that are different can still be fun, wonderful, and beautiful. Those that are wearing an extra pair may be taking the message a step further, by representing the extra copy of chromosome 21 that is present in individuals with Down syndrome.
Other interesting facts about Down syndrome:
- There are three types of Down syndrome: trisonomy accounts for 95% of cases; translocation for about 4%; and mosaicism for about 1%
- Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. Between 1979 – 2003, about 30% of all babies born were born with Down syndrome
- One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – that equates to approximately 6,000 births annually
- Currently, there are just over 250,000 individuals with Down syndrome living in the United States
- Most individuals with Down syndrome have mild to moderate cognitive delays; however, many will participate fully in public and private educational and community programs.
Look for #lotsofsocks trending on social media to see fun socks around the world!
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