Ma. CJ Plumentera 
“Down syndrome does not define us as people. It is a condition that makes it harder for us to learn, but with patience and persistence, we are able to contribute to our society.”
– David Egan
February is a time dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. It aims to educate people about the lives of people with Down syndrome and about focusing on the abilities rather than the disabilities of those with this condition.
Down syndrome is caused by a random error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra copy of Chromosome 21. A change in the number of chromosomes can cause problems with growth, development, and function of the body’s systems. People with Down syndrome are also more prone to hearing loss, ear infections, obstructive sleep apnea, eye diseases, poor eyesight, and intestinal blockages at birth requiring surgery.
And now is the time to focus on the ability of the people in our community and celebrate individuality, and Down syndrome is no exception. See beyond the label, embrace the individual.
