Three Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
Macy was three years old when we celebrated our first World Down Syndrome Day.
When I learned about World Down Syndrome Day, established in 2012 and celebrated on 3/21 to reflect the third copy of the twenty-first chromosome, I was excited to celebrate but unsure what to do. That first year we wore our mismatched socks. We learned that mismatched socks were a thing because socks look like chromosomes and when people wear mismatched socks others will notice and point it out, opening up opportunities for conversations around Down syndrome. Since 2012 this simple yet impactful idea has spread far and wide with whole companies starting mismatched sock brands and dozens of organizations offering their own unique socks for sale to be worn on 3/21 for people all over the world to wearThe mismatched socks were not the only thing to grow and expand over the years. 3/21 has become a catalyst for non-profits, organizations and families alike to launch products, initiatives, fundraisers, books, podcasts and more, all in the name of Down syndrome awareness.
For example
2017 my first book titled, The Lucky Few, came out on 3/21 (which I had nothing to do with and was a bit of a sweet nod since books come out on Tuesdays and in 2017 3/21 was on a Tuesday!).
2018, I launched my podcast, The Lucky Few Podcast on 3/21.
2022, I launched our non-profit, The Lucky Few Foundation on, you guessed it, 3/21.
Today there are quite literally hundreds of ways for anyone to Shout The Worth of people with Down syndrome. Still, if you are not sure where to start I’m going to offer three ways you can celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us:
One: Is there a better way to sport your support than a rad t shirt? In the vein of thinking back over the years, over at The Lucky Few Shop we are going to be launching our “OG Collection''. A collection of all our past t-shirt designs. Already have the OG designs? No problem, we’re also going to be launching a bunch of new ones. Order today to get it in time for World Down Syndrome Day. Or order it to wear anytime because Down syndrome should be celebrated everyday.
Two:
Another fun way you can join us in celebrating? I’m going to be launching a first ever: “The Lucky Few Book Club”. The other day I realized I have not read The Lucky Few since it came out in 2017. While I’m quite familiar with the story, I also know I’ve grown and changed over the past seven years and I’m curious to go back through the book, relive that time in my life and see all the ways in which I’ve grown. And I want to invite you along for the ride. To learn more about The Lucky Few Book Club and to sign up you can head over here.
Three:
Both of my children’s books, Different - A Great Thing to Be! And Everyone Belongs, are tools to help us talk to our kids about differences, inclusion and belonging. And both star my daughter Macy, a girl with Down syndrome. Setting up a time to read this book in your child’s class makes for a great way to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! As a bonus, each book has a set of free downloadable printables you can do along with the book.
