Lexington, KY - According to the National Down Syndrome Society, Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome, and currently there are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
"There continue to be many babies born with Down syndrome in the Lexington and central Kentucky area, and it is important that DSACK reaches these families to share our own hope and joy with them," said DSACK executive board member and Down parent Courtney Elbert. "The better known that DSACK is, the more likely we will reach these parents when their beautiful babies are born."
In Lexington, there is a thriving support community for families that are dealing with this condition. DSACK provides educational information, advocacy opportunities, social events and a network of resources for any who are interested in or impacted by Down syndrome: "Support for parents and families in an understanding and empathetic environment to ask questions, exchange information, develop friendships, gain knowledge to benefit and enrich their families, and to celebrate together," according to Elbert.
"DSACK strives to make sure the community understand that people with Down syndrome are beautiful, capable and loved, and are blessings to all who are involved with them."
There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities to choose from. "To truly live, one must give of themselves first. One cannot imagine the joy and pleasure of getting involved with an individual with Down syndrome. We are learning every day what a joy it is to raise a child with Down syndrome, and we need help from others to spread that joy and knowledge to others," Elbert said. "We have gone from putting these children in institutions to including our children in regular classrooms, and employing them, and encouraging many to live independently. Volunteering with our organization will not only enrich the life of the volunteer, but will have a lasting effect on generations to come. You will celebrate like you never have before."