“It’s better to speak plainly: community’s civility is defined by its attitude to the weakest and the most unprotected people. There is no other criterion”, – wisely and aptly mentioned Jerome Lejeune, French philosopher, pediatrician and geneticist who in the middle of XX century discovered chromosomal nature of genetic anomaly – Down’s syndrome.
Down’s syndrome it’s just an extra chromosome, variable error in family background mechanism which leads to the world of kind, unselfish, very honest and trustful people.
On 21 of March all worldwide community celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This date is selected for a reason: 21 date of the third week symbolizes unique presence of extra third chromosome in 21st pair for people with Down’s syndrome. Most people have 46 chromosomes, those who have Down’s syndrome – 47.
How do those who have extra chromosome live? The same as all other people! They laugh and cry, are happy and sad, dream and reach goals: get education, apply for a job and create their own families. They only need a little bit more…Little more attention, support, concern and warmth…
“Special people” have been born all the time. According to nowadays statistics, every seven hundredth infant appears to this world with Down’s syndrome. Herewith kids with chromosomal mishap can be born in any family and it’s not connected to genetic background.
Because of round faces and hospitability they are called “sunny”, they’re tender with kind eyes and big understanding heart!
For drawing attention of community to problems of people with Down’s syndrome, on 21st of March all around the world special event is held – LOTS OF SOCKS. For joining worldwide movement and sharing solidarity to men in a thousand, there’s a need to wear colorful or odd socks and go outside the street. Catching somebody’s unpleasant glance, you can partially feel how most people perceive who don’t look like you. Don’t forget: they can and must live happy and full life in a community of usual people!
Wear colorful socks, take photos of it and share to social nets with a hashtag #lotsofsocks. The most important thing is to accept people as such!
Photo: Oleksii Lubiahin (photos from storage of Zhytomyr Regional Civic Organisation “Dity Sontsia”)
Translated by Aliona Matushevich
