21 Quotes by 21 People with Trisomy 21 on What It's Like to Have Down Syndrome

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, which is today March 21st... The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles has sent 21 emails beginning March 1st, presenting 21 emails for 21 days with 21 quotes by 21 people with Trisomy 21 on what it's like to have Down syndrome. Below is the culmination of all 21 quotes... enjoy! :) 

"It [Down Syndrome] makes me feel special. I feel good inside." By: Christine Young (36)

"Having Down syndrome is cool because I can play any sport I want in Special Olympics with my best friends." By: Jared Kozak (19)

"It [Down syndrome] makes me an excellent photographer, I can make money as an actor, I have lots of friends and have been Susie's boy friend for 5 years on Wednesday, April 1st. I can get married like Corky and Amanda on 'Life Goes On' [television show]."

By" Blair "B" Williamson (29)

"Down syndrome is in the genes,

but not these jeans."

By: Shannon Dieriex (24) 

"I can be very independent and I love to cook."

By: Jasmine Banayan (20)

"I love my living situation and love being with my apartment mates."

By: Patrick Ziegler (25) 

"I am proud to be me and I love my mom and dad and I love all my friends with Down syndrome. Thank you for being kind to us." 

By: Adinan Schreck (19) 

"Down syndrome is something you are born with. You can't take it away from yourself. I'll always be a little slow and need help with my reading but I am still a person with feelings."

By: Robin Trocki (52 years young)

"Since I have Down syndrome I can teach my big brother how to work harder and never quit."

By: Eden Rapp (12)

"I feel like I'm enjoying myself. I feel like I could fly. I'd like to meet a girlfriend."

By: Kevin Ewing (28)

"I love myself! I love my life! I'm very happy! I love 'Born to Act Players.' the acting group my mom started for me. Up with Down's!"

By: Casey Rings Powell (28)

"Mommie, sit"

By: Leo Woodrum (5) 

Leo's mom, Gina Vivona needs to sit sometimes. She is the President of the DSALA Board of Directors and the author/producer of an audio book called Kazmir, The Flying Camel. 

"I love living in my apartment with my roommate."

By: Andrea Hall (32)

"I don't think about my Down syndrome. I think about my ability. I have family and friends and things I do. I'm just like everyone else.

By: Chris Burke (43)

of "Life Goes On"

"I like meeting other friends with Down syndrome because we have a lot in common."

By: Lauren Potter (18) 

"I am fine and happy having Down syndrome. I like to learn stuff at Mrs. Brown's House like reading, writing and having fun too. I am also learning to be a teacher."

By: Elizabeth Beutel (11) 

"I go to A.R.C. I am Down syndrome. Yes, I play tennis everyday, I have been doing it all the time, a long time.

Deborah Henrikson (44)

"Down syndrome makes me special among my friends and family. I love to sing and dance with my NY Friends. I will be an actor one day. I love my dog Roxy."

Parth Bharat (19)

"I do it!"

By: Eliza Widdicombe (8 years old today 3/19)

"I can get a lot of money if I sell my extra chromosome on eBay. I don't need it anymore." 

By: Graham Sheldon (23 today 3/20)

"Having Down syndrome means nothing to me, I'm special like everyone else. I do not let people judge me for having Down syndrome. The important thing is how I feel about myself. On the inside, I feel beautiful."

By: Edward Barbanell (31)

(Billy in "The Ringer") 

Please visit Sarah's website!!

Please go visit Sarah's website if you have not seen it already... beautiful Sarah, who is 19, who has Down syndrome, and is a Special Olympian articulately wrote a letter to President Obama. 

*Sarah...what a great letter...you said it better than any of us could have! I hope our president takes you up on your offer to give him a few bowling lessons! :)

Rest In Peace... "Zipper"

Luke was recently gifted his first fish tank and Zebra Fish from one of my students...who is Luke's age and was determined that Luke needed some fish of his very own. She brought over this fish tank with pink pebbles in it...(it is her favorite color) and 5 fish from her own supply of fish that keep having babies. Well, we had the fish for just over a week and Toby and Luke decided the fish needed some "manly" colors so changed out the pebbles to blue and added some "flashy tankweed". All was well when I left the house this evening to attend a dinner for mom's with kids with special needs. Upon my return I found my ever so sensitive Luke in tears. I asked what was wrong and he pointed into the direction of his fish..and could barely get the words out, "Zipper died" along with two other ones he had not figured out names for yet. Oh man, here we go. Isn't there a chapter in Parenting 101 on this kind of thing?? Luke sobbed while I promised more fish... What to do?? :)

Then Luke pulls out one of his famous one liners and proceeds to tell us, in a very serious manner, "I can't even say Zipper's name...I feel like Abraham Lincoln, when his mom died from milk sickness he was so sad he could not even say her name". Okay, so seriously...how can you not crack up...I had to hide my face in my hands and walk out of the room. But, on the other hand...good for Luke, apparently my son listens up in class because I did not even know that info on honest Abe.

So, you know where you can find us tomorrow after school...the fish store. Sorry you didn't make it Zipper!