ST. GEORGE — Sounds of children playing and adults chatter filled the St. George Children’s Museum long after its usual closing hours on Monday, as families and friends met in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.
More than 80 people registered for the event in advance, with parents, grandparents and siblings joining loved ones with Down syndrome in educational games and interactive displays.
Many children with the disability were eager to make friends as they socialized with their peers, while caregivers relaxed in the company of their fellows and shared ideas for and experiences with raising kids.
“It takes a village to raise our children, no matter their abilities,” said Katie Christensen, mother to a 15-month-old boy with Down syndrome. “It’s amazing that we can bring together families that need each other to meet and get together. We all have one thing in common, but it brings us together and that’s something that we need.”
Monday’s event was organized by the Southern Utah chapter of the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. Christensen, who serves as co-president of the local group, helps to organize local gatherings and fundraising alongside Celeste Hallman.
Hallman said she and Christensen are in the middle of restarting the Southern Utah Down Syndrome Foundation, and she hopes their events can engage community members, support local families and dispel the stigma surrounding people with disabilities.
“We just want the community and the world as a whole to know that children with Down syndrome are not scary,” Hallman said. “They’re joy – they’re just pure joy. They may have more difficult times, but they want to be treated just like any other child or adult.”
Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome in some or all of a person’s cells. Chromosomes are small packages of DNA that carry genetic information, and most children are typically born with two pairs of 23 chromosomes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
World Down Syndrome Day is observed on the 21st day of the third month (March 21) to recognize the triplication of chromosome 21 in people with the condition. As one of the most common chromosomal conditions in humans, Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States.
Possessing an extra chromosome changes how a person’s brain and body develops, influencing physical features and potentially causing developmental challenges. While people with Down syndrome may share similar distinguishing characteristics, each person has different abilities.
Changing perceptions about the abilities and potential of people with Down syndrome is part of what led Jennifer Del Grande to get involved with the Southern Utah group as the mother of a 16-year-old girl with Down syndrome.
“A lot of people think they’re incapable of doing things, but they can do a lot more than people give them credit for,” Del Grande said. “I’m hoping we can get together more often, my daughter can meet other children her age with Down syndrome and other people will see them and not judge them as much when they see all they’re capable of doing.”
The Southern Utah Down Syndrome Foundation is gearing up for several upcoming events, including a summer party, a “Mighty Steps” fundraiser walk in the fall and a Christmas party to close out the year.
Participation in the local group is free and open to all. More information about the group’s mission and upcoming events can be found on the Southern Utah group’s Facebook page or the statewide nonprofit’s website.
Photo Gallery
Sarah Del Grande, a 16-year-old girl with Down Syndrome, said she enjoyed participating in the event because she loves museums and she enjoys taking care of little kids, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News Organizers at the Monday evening event sold T-shirts, stickers and raffle tickets to raise funds for the Utah Down Syndrom Foundation, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News Children with Down syndrome explored the St. George Children's Museum along with their siblings, parents and friends at the Monday evening event, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News A local family joins in the community event organized on behalf of children with Down Syndrome, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News Katie Christensen, co-president of the Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association, poses with her family, including her 15-month-old son with Down syndrome, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News Celeste Hallman, co-president of the Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association, poses with her daughter, Alyvia, during the celebration held in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News A father and daughter use the art supplies and interactive learning experiences available at the children's museum, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2022 | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News
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