March 21, 2013

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Happy

WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!!!!!!!!

 

First off, I want to say how extremely honoured I am to know what this day means now. We are so proud to be a part of this day and celebrate difference and perseverance.

Over the last year we have met so many wonderful people. We have worked hard and overcome challenges. We have changed our ways of seeing and accepting others (all "others" not just individuals with DS). We have welcomed a warmth and a light into our hearts that will keep us cozy forever. We know that challenges will await us, but we also know that there will be a overwhelming amount of pride for our girl in the future.

Today with Hazel, there will be an underlying thread of gratitude in every kiss and a deep appreciation for the perspective she has given us in every hug.

 

Onward...

This is a very exciting day for the DS community. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and education about individuals with DS. The following is from the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) site. I copied their description here so that you could read what they have to say without going anywhere else, but please take the time to visit the site when you have time.

I particularly LOVE the paragraph about the "internet being a powerful tool for raising awareness."

It allows us all to do our part through various social media. Anybody can help to celebrate WDSD, if only by tweeting 1 tweet (or Retweeting a tweet) that you find interesting or important. Or by sharing a link on your Facebook pages. Even just a simple status update that calls attention to the cause. Oh, yes - and you can even share on Pinterest.

 

WDSD states:

"21 March 2013 marks the 8th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. But there is still so much more we can do.

Down Syndrome International encourages our friends all over the World to choose your own themes, activities and events to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

The internet is a powerful tool for raising awareness and we encourage people to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day through your own websites, blogs and social networking sites. However, we want to create a single meeting place where everyone can share their experiences and advertise their activities.

Join our cause to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome on 21 March."

 

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Today I thought I would list my Top 5 favorite blogs that raise awareness for DS. I know I have listed some in the past but I wanted to make it really easy for you all to do some educating or to spread the word and raise awareness yourself. Click on the images to take you the blogs. Happy reading!!!

1. A Perfect Lily

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2. Enjoying the Small Things

 

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3. Little Olsen

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4. The Future's Rosie

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5. Noah's Dad

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Chasing Hazel readers have always been so loyal and supportive. We could not have gotten this far with out you!!! Thanks so much in advance for your continued support in helping us to advocate and create positive discourse about Hazel's future.

So please, if only for today, TWEET, SHARE, LIKE, and PIN away about Down Syndrome. Do your part to spread the word and educate.

 

 

 

Peace, Love and Acceptance