Let me first start off by saying this, I am down with the Downs.  If you are not quite sure what Downs is…Down syndrome, Down’s syndrome, or trisomy 21 is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who described the syndrome in 1866. The disorder was identified as a chromosome 21 trisomy by Jérôme Lejeune in 1959. The condition is characterized by a combination of major and minor differences in structure. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as facial appearance. Down syndrome can be identified during pregnancy or at birth.

Individuals with Down syndrome tend to have a lower than average cognitive ability, often ranging from mild to moderate developmental disabilities. A small number have severe to profound mental disability. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1,000 births, although these statistics are heavily influenced by the age of the mother. Other factors may also play a role.

Many of the common physical features of Down syndrome also appear in people with a standard set of chromosomes. They may include a single transverse palmar crease (a single instead of a double crease across one or both palms, also called the Simian crease), an almond shape to the eyes caused by an epicanthic fold of the eyelid, upslanting palpebral fissures (the separation between the upper and lower eyelids), shorter limbs, poor muscle tone, a larger than normal space between the big and second toes, and protruding tongue. Health concerns for individuals with Down syndrome include a higher risk for congenital heart defects, gastroesophageal reflux disease, recurrent ear infections, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroiddysfunctions.

Now that we are all aware of Downs is, let’s get to the story behind the post.  I was [1] reading a story todaythat actually made me smile (not in the haha you dumb-ass smile but the happy I feel good smile).  I think this [2] story deserves to be read and understoodby all.  Just because you scream out in laughter and joy and have your own Olympics does not make you a smaller or lesser of a person.  The truth is this, you live life better than a majority of people all over the world.  You see life for the good and the fun.  We normally see life as being broke, living pay check to pay check, political b.s., war, death and what ever else brings us down.  I am actually jealous of most Downs people because they can look at everything as being good.

Zach Wincent is 19 years old and lives his life by the “Zach Attack” code.  He is currently in Community College, has climbed The Great Wall of China, coaches hockey and was voted Prom King.  I was never the Prom King, more like the Prom Drunk Party King.  I have never been to China let alone climbed The Great Wall of China.

Growing up Zach was made fun of by a lot of kids in his neighborhood.  Why?  Because they were uneducated sperm hatch-lings.  Why do we make fun of people?  Very simple, it makes us feel better for some reason.  Everyone has made a comment about someone and for no reason at all.  I do it and maybe it is wrong but it is my way of enjoying life.  I like to go out and people watch and say as I please.  Is it wrong, sure it is…but I still do it.  But if I were to meet Zach I would shake his hand and pronounce him as the man.

There is an old saying, “The giveth and the lord taketh”.  Zach may have Downs, but he lives life to the fullest.

“Zach, you da man dog!”

[3] http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/09/30/adult.down.syndrome/index.html