Down syndrome awareness

This video link was posted in a comment, and I thought I would draw your attention to it. October is Down syndrome awareness month, but we need to be working all year to raise awareness. Click on http://www.ahamoment.com/vote/barry and watch the video called "Perfect Imperfections". It features a father sharing his own "aha moment" regarding his daughter with DS. If you like it, vote for it to be one of the videos in Mutual of Omaha's 2010 commercials. Even if you don't like it, vote for it to be one of the videos in Mutual of Omaha's 2010 commercials. :)

The more we can shine the light of truth on people with DS and their VALUE to their families and the world, the better off we will be. Right now, many people don't place much value on the life of a person with Down syndrome. Just look at the pregnancy termination rate of >90% when a diagnosis of DS is made. Then think about the advances being made in prenatal testing. Less invasive, more "convenient" testing will mean fewer and fewer babies with Down syndrome being given the chance to live.

We need to let the world know that people with Down syndrome CAN lead productive, happy, "valuable" lives that will bless every person they meet. It's NOT "cruel" to bring a "mentally challenged" or "disabled" (pick your label) child into the world. Parents-to-be who tell themselves that and the doctors that perpetuate that myth are sadly misled and misinformed. We must INFORM them. NOW.

If you have time, take a few minutes to learn more. Visit the International Down Syndrome Coalition for Life at http://idscforlife.wordpress.com/ for more on "advocating in the womb and in the room." To quote a post on another blog (http://sadsin.blogspot.com/), "Why is the IDSC Necessary? When a mother is told that the child she is carrying happens to have Down syndrome, that baby has a 5 to 10% chance of living." [Warning: soapbox moment coming] People are outraged when stray pets are euthanized. Look at the press that the Humane Society gets. You all know me - I LOVE animals. However, we have doctor-sanctioned euthanasia of an entire group of people occurring and where is the outrage? Does the general public think it's "kind?" "better this way?" "the best thing you can do for the baby or for your family or for yourself?" Look at Asher and think of the families who will miss out on such incredible, God-given blessings because no one told them how wonderful life can be - and WILL be - when your child has Down syndrome.

Side note: If you EVER hear of a family/mother or father-to-be/nurse/doctor or anyone else who needs to talk or knows someone who needs to talk about having a child with DS, please share my number or blog or email with them. I am available 24/7 to share my story -and Asher - with anyone who needs us.

Now...please take a minute to vote for the commercial. The first round of voting ends October 15th!!! It's a small step toward greater awareness. Do it for Asher.