the significance of 3-21

today is world down syndrome day. the date is chosen because down syndrome is caused by a third chromosome on the 21st pairing. it is a day set aside for families to celebrate, as well as, let the world know how wonderful our children are. if you have been following our blog or have been able to come to the store in person, you know just how amazing i think sarah is. yet, it is my belief that society will be so much richer and wiser if everyone takes the time to get to know a child or young adult with down syndrome.

like designer extraordinaire...kate spain...

kate has become such a dear friend. we first met kate through the blogosphere. then something magical happened. actually a series of connections and developments. next thing we know, kate and her wonderful husband pete were heading to cleveland. not only did she come to meet sarah, she blogged about it. and that opened another segment of the population to read about down syndrome.

following that came an article on the etsy website. 159 comments, mostly from readers that do not have a family member with down syndrome followed. then came the front page story in american patchwork and quilting.

the new group of people were getting to see down syndrome. then kate came back into the scene. she was asked to do a live radio broadcast with pat sloan. kate could easily have filled the entire segment talking about her designs. instead. she chose to use the opportunity to talk about sarah. and the difference she is making. thank you kate. this is how we change perceptions. this is how we spread the word that down syndrome is not something to be feared. it is not a terrible disease. it is not a reason to further testing to eliminate trisomy 21.

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beautiful fabric. a quilt shop. employment opportunities. all of a sudden it is no longer just about that extra third chromosome. on the 21st pairing. it is about acceptance. it is about change. it is about love. it is about a better world.