This month is Down syndrome Awareness Month and activities are geared towards spreading awareness among the population.
“Down syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome can have physical problems, as well as intellectual disabilities. Every person born with Down syndrome is different. People with the syndrome may also have other health problems. They may be born with heart disease. They may have dementia. They may have hearing problems and problems with the intestines, eyes, thyroid, and skeleton,” according to the Web Site www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/downsyndrome.html
The awareness month will also celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of those with the condition, among them, Rebecca Ferreira. Born prematurely to Joanna and Barry Ferreira in 1985, she was jaundiced, had Down syndrome, two holes and a faulty valve in her tiny heart. To survive she needed open heart surgery, and money had to be raised to take “Becky” (as she is fondly called) to the US for two major operations.
“Many generous Trinis contributed time and talent in fund-raising efforts,” said Ferreira’s grandmother, Helen Humphrey.
Among the entertainers who assisted was a young singer, Chris Garcia.
Last September 27, Ferreira celebrated her birthday with her close friends and Garcia who is her perennial guest of honour. Ferreira and her special friends are Garcia’s most faithful fans. They know all his songs and joined him in singing and dancing. The party was transformed to a “Chutney Bachannal” when Garcia sang his hit song. Garcia, who is launching his new Christmas album soon, continues to support children with Down syndrome. Other entertainment also came from Ferreira’s neighbour Arthur Reid who performed Bob Marley’s songs.
