The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is an organization committed to advocating for the acceptance, inclusion and value of people with Down Syndrome. As October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the NDSS, and supporting organization Bringing Up Down Syndrome (BUDS), will be holding their annual “Buddy Walk” fundraiser on October 2, 2011. Families and celebrities alike will participate in hundreds of events nationwide during the “Buddy Walk”; encouraging friendship, education and awareness.
Over 400,000 people are currently living with Down Syndrome nationwide. Down Syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder that occurs when an individual has three copies of the 21st chromosome rather than the normal two. This abnormality causes changes to the natural course of mental and physical development and can result in various handicaps and disabilities. Individuals with Down Syndrome are also at an increased risk of certain medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid conditions, cardiac defects and childhood leukemia.
Living with Down Syndrome is not easy, neither for the child nor their family. The unexpected discovery of the condition in a newborn child can be traumatic and carries with it a number of emotional and financial ramifications. Prenatal screening in the first two trimesters can determine whether an unborn child will have Down Syndrome. Without proper prenatal screening and diagnosis, parents cannot make the decisions necessary for the well-being of their child and families.
If your child has Down Syndrome due to an improper or misinterpreted prenatal diagnosis, or a failure to test or diagnose, you may be entitled to pursue a “wrongful birth” claim. The experienced Down Syndrome attorneys in New Jersey at Blume Forte can help investigate your potential claim at no cost to you. Contact us for a consultation at 973-845-4421.