Raise awareness by wearing mismatched socks

There is a reason behind some wearing mismatched socks every year on March 21 - to celebrate those with an extra 21.

According to Arkansas Down Syndrome Association, the idea behind wearing mismatched or odd socks is that chromosomes are shaped like socks. Wearing these types of socks was to help bring awareness to those with the genetic disorder of Down Syndrome.

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The General Assembly of the United Nations declared in 2011 World Down Syndrome Day to be celebrated on March 21 to help raise public awareness, and it was first observed in 2012.

Down Syndrome occurs when a person has an extra partial or whole chromosome 21, which affects 3,000 - 5,000 births yearly. It is still unknown what causes the extra chromosome to develop.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), there are three types of Down Syndrome, trisomy 21, translocation, and mosaicism. Trisomy 21 is the most common type found in 95 percent of cases.

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Four decades ago, those with Down Syndrome had a life expectancy of 25 years old; now, people live into their 60s.

Public awareness of the abilities of those with Down Syndrome has increased thanks to names such as Madeline Stuart, Lauren Potter, and Jaime Brewer, proving they are more than the condition they were born with.

Stuart is an Australian model who was the first to walk the catwalk at the New York Fashion, making her the first professional adult model with Down Syndrome. Potter is best known for her role as “Becky Jackson” in Glee and was appointed by President Obama to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Brewer is best known for her role on American Horror Story and was the first woman with Down Syndrome to walk the red carpet at the New York Fashion Week.

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People with Down Syndrome have many strengths and talents and participate in 4-H programs, hold steady employment, attend college, play sports, and many more activities.

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