Down syndrome fundraiser returns

Down River Run 5K & 1.5 Mile Fun Walk 2023 set for June 3

Submitted by Deborah L. Fleck

President of The Down Syndrome Association of Niagara Inc.

The Family and 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 Saturday, June 3, 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 $35, while late registration (May 22 through race day) is $40.

Early registration (before May 22) guarantees a T-shirt. Virtual registration, at $35, includes shipping of T-shirt. 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.

Our “Miles of Care” Initiative provides monetary relief for flights and hotel stays to families that need to travel for heart operations commonly needed for newborn babies with Down syndrome. A long-term goal of this event is to raise funds to help offset some start-up costs of a business operated by individuals with Down syndrome.

Please register and help us to “Advocate, Celebrate, Inspire!”

Down Syndrome Facts

The Down Syndrome Association of Niagara Inc. shared the following information:

•Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

•Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.

•There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

•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 healthier lives than years ago.

•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, 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 develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

•Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.