To celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, Nov. 1 to 7, there will be a Buddy Walk held this Sunday morning at 10:30 am at Lockerby High School Gymnasium.
There are more than 35,000 people living with Down Syndrome in
Canada, according to a fact sheet from the National Down
Syndrome Society. The syndrome is caused by genetics. Down
Syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two
copies of Chromosome 21. This additional genetic material
alters the course of development and causes the characteristics
associated with Down Syndrome.
People with Down Syndrome have an increased risk for certain
medical conditions such as congenital heart defects,
respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease,
childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions.
The Buddy Walk has three goals: to promote equitable
opportunities for all Canadians with Down Syndrome, to raise
funds locally for education and advocacy programs and to
enhance the position of the Down Syndrome community.
For more information, phone 855-5475.
