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Photo courtesy of The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara
Photo courtesy of The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara

Down River Run 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Walk is back

Submitted

Fri, May 20th 2022 07:00 am

The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara is pleased to announce the return of The Down River Run 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Walk. The event will take place June 5 at Fort Niagara State Park, managed by Its Your Race, Race Management Solutions.

Registration and details of the race can be found at https://DownRiverRun.itsyourrace.com. Check-in begins promptly at 9 a.m. at the south entrance of Fort Niagara State Park. The 5K start time is 10 a.m., and walk start time is at 9:45 a.m. Advance registration is $30, while late registration (May 30 through race day) is $35. An award ceremony and light refreshments will follow completion of the race.

Organizers said, “We respect and understand the need of family pet companionship, however, we kindly ask owners to assume full responsibility of their pets. We also ask that any minors be accompanied and supervised at all times by their legal guardians.

“Proceeds from this year’s event will enhance program development, resource and referral efforts in our locale.”

The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and local affiliation of The National Down Syndrome Society. It advocates positive awareness, quality education and meaningful community inclusion for all individuals with Down syndrome.

Know the facts: (adopted with permission from NDSS to share)

√ Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

√ There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4%, and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.

√ Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – about 6,000 each year.

√ Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

√ The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

√ 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. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

√ A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are: low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

√ Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

√ People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

√ All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

√ Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Thank you in advance to our generous sponsors, volunteers and participants for their support: Thomas Branchini, Cecconi Chrysler Complex, Ciminelli Real Estate, Collision Enterprises, CRB Holdings Bob Burns Tim Hortons, DiCamillo Bakery (in-kind), DiMino Lewiston Tops Markets (in-kind), Dr. Hargrave Lewiston Eyecare Center, Lewiston Village Bake Shoppe, Network for Good, Our Lady of Angels Association, Seneca Gaming Corp. Resorts & Casino, Sevenson Environmental Services, Michael and Krisann Ventry, Youngstown Lions Club.

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