‘This is joy’: Southern Utah families, friends celebrate loved ones with Down syndrome on 3.21 Day

Written by Nick Yamashita
March 24, 2023

ST. GEORGE —  The Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association celebrated with the world for 3.21 Day on Tuesday evening, giving honor to loved ones who are influenced by the disability each day.

Beyla Jepson pretends to eat a banana at the St. George Children’s Museum for a photo, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Association presidents Celeste Hallman and Katie Christensen said they were ecstatic to have over 100 people attend the celebration at the St. George Children’s Museum.

“So today is 3.21 and Down syndrome is the third extra copy of the 21st chromosome,” Hallman said. “It has been allocated as the third month, 21st day as World Down Syndrome Day.”

3.21 Day was designated as World Down Syndrome Day by the United Nations officially in 2012 and has been celebrated since, according to United Rehabilitation Services.

According to the Utah Rehabilitation Services, the day “was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.”

The event had children and adults diagnosed with Down syndrome of all ages attend with their families and loved ones, from parents, siblings, grandparents and more.

“We always like to have a party and to celebrate our kids, youth and adults who have Down syndrome,” Hallman said.

Each parent or grandparent ran from one exhibit room to the other as they explored the farm, desert, deep sea, prehistoric era, castle and more.

Katie Christensen and Celeste Hallman at the St. George Children’s Museum saw over 100 people attend, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The sports exhibit appeared to be a huge hit, as children ascended a climbing wall. In the prehistoric exhibit, they the triceratops and explored the volcanic cave.

The music and sounds exhibit drew a large crowd as the children hit the drums, jumped on the foot keyboard and crashed the cymbals.

“The children’s museum is so inclusive,” Christensen said. “They have so many sensory items and different things for children of all abilities to come, play and enjoy.”

Christensen said last year they had about 80 people in attendance.

Added Hallman: “Every time we get a little more at each event.”

Both Hallman and Christensen said it’s important to reach as many families and individuals in the area as possible to offer support and help to those families who have a loved one with Down syndrome.

And this organization provides all of that and more, Hallman said.

Due to their medical condition, the affected individuals tend to be more susceptible to other illnesses or medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions.

Chart that helps explain Down Syndrome and why 3.21 was celebrated the St. George Children’s Museum, St. George, Utah, March 21, 2023 | Chart courtesy of the SUDSA, St. George News

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition with 1 in 700 babies born with it. Hallman said that even though the condition seems dreading to many people, it is not something to fear and is a blessing.

“This is joy, not scary,” Hallman said. “It is worth celebrating.”

The life expectancy of Down syndrome has grown from 25 in 1983 to 60 years of age.

“We are not ignoring the fact they have down Syndrome but celebrating that,” Christensen added.

And celebrate everyone did.

From Scarlett Glauser who played in the winds of a tornado, to Sara Terry who played Snow White as she sat on her throne and Joab Hooper making car repairs. They all celebrated by playing with the exhibits until the announcement for closing came at 7:30 p.m. (with a few trying their hardest not to leave).

Christensen said it was successful this year as they saw more than just families and friends there, but also members of the community.

“Our community has really stepped up in St. George,” Christensen said. “When we reach out, we get such a positive response.”

They expressed thanks to the community, the children’s museum and the Cookie Co. who helped sponsor and support this event as well as the organization.

The Southern Utah Down Syndrome Association will be busy throughout the year hosting several events, especially their fall celebration called the “Mighty Steps” walkathon.

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.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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