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Archive for March, 2010

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Patients with Down Syndrome Could Unlock Mysteries of Aging

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Marybeth Solinski gets ready to blow out the candles on her 59th birthday cake last fall with her niece Sarah Gaziano, 22.

Marybeth Solinski gets ready to blow out the candles on her 59th birthday cake last fall with her niece Sarah Gaziano, 22.

In 1950, when Marybeth Solinski was born, a diagnosis of Down syndrome was practically a death sentence.

Children with the condition often died before their 10th birthday. Yet Solinski, at 59, has outlived her parents. She has even joined AARP.

Her longevity illustrates the dramatic progress for people with Down syndrome. Thanks to better medical care, the average life expectancy for a child with Down syndrome is now 60 years, according to the National Down Syndrome Society, which estimates that about 400,000 people are living with the condition in the USA.

 

As they live longer, adults with Down syndrome who have an extra copy of chromosome 21 are teaching scientists about the genetic roots of aging, says Ira Lott, head of pediatric neurology at the University of California-Irvine School of Medicine.

 

Scientists today are searching this chromosome, which contains only about 200 of the body’s roughly 20,000 genes, to learn why people with Down syndrome suffer disproportionately from some health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, but are spared many others, such as heart attacks, strokes and certain types of cancer.

 

Read more

World Down Syndrome Day 3/21

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Down Syndrome International (DSI) has officially earmarked March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome. Commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day started on March 21, 2006, it has grown manifold globally.

The annual observance of WDSD aims to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and related issues and to mobilize support and recognition of the dignity, rights and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

Temecula Valley’s World Down Syndrome Day group will be having various activities for children and information for parents on Sunday, March 21 from noon – 4 p.m. at Sensory Time, 41421 Date Street, Murrieta, CA 92562.  Sensory Time’s phone number is (951) 600-0305.  If you have questions you can contact Sherry Tsagakis, Chairperson of Temecula World Down Syndrome Day, at (951) 473-6497 or at specialkidzphotography@live.com

Survey Request from DSFOC

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County (DSFOC) is conducting a survey to help shape summer educational support programs for families.  Your input will help them decide which areas are of most need.  The survey should take only a few minutes to complete.  View the survey at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GZHFM8Q.  If you are not interested in summer programs, but would like to make sure that the Down Syndrome Foundation has your current contact information, please complete the first page of the survey.  Feel free to forward the survey link to any other families you know who may be interested. 

 

For more information, contact Nicki Presby, Director of Education and Outreach at 949.757.1177 or  npresby@dsfoc.org.

Orange County Bike Camp 2010

Monday, March 15th, 2010

In partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County, BIKE CAMP ’10 will be available for one week, August 2 – 6.  The purpose of this camp is to assist individuals with disabilities in learning to ride bicycles confidently and without training wheels.  This camp has been conducted in many parts of the country, and this is the third year we are proud to offer it in Southern California.  We are grateful to Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo for providing us their air-conditioned gym for the camp. 

The number of campers is limited to 40; a lottery will be held to select campers.  

Information and requirements      Registration

All applications MUST be received by April 16th.

Yahoo for Wahoo’s!

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

wahoos-new-logo-101Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Festival of Children are working together to help non-profits in Orange County raise funds for their programs and services.  DSAOC is thrilled to be involved in this fundraising opportunity!  Between Monday, March 8 and Sunday, March 14, anyone who presents this Wahoo’s flyer during their purchase will be enjoying a delicious meal and also donating 20% of their bill to the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County.

How can you help?  Download the flyer, print it out, pass it around and take your family and friends to Wahoo’s!  Thank you!