What is Down Syndrome? Ask the 2nd Graders at West Canada Valley

What is Down Syndrome? Just ask the 2nd grade class at West Canada Valley who made a video about their classmate, Emma Lindsay, who has down syndrome.

Emma is a spunky, ball of energy who is very out going. On World Down Syndrome Day Emma's class presented a video with facts about down syndrome and how Emma makes them feel. The kids even performed acts of kindness throughout the school wearing special t-shirts that read 'Choose Kind.'

'I was a soggy mess when they showed the video,' says Emma's mom Eileen. 'I couldn't hold back the tears. There was so much love shown in the video. Emma is really loved and accepted by everyone at the school. I can't ask for a better experience for her as she learns as much from her peers as they learn from her.'

Emma's classmates had a lot of questions and a lot of answers to teach everyone about down syndrome.

What is it Down Syndrome?
'Down Syndrome is a condition some people are born with. They have an extra 21st chromosome.

What is a Chromosome?
Chromosomes are little instructions inside our bodies. They have the information that decides things like eye color, hair color and how tall we'll be. Most of us have 46 chromosomes in every cell. People with Down Syndrome have an extra one.'

Is it a Disease?
'Down Syndrome is not a disease. They are not sick. It is not something you can catch. It is just the way they are made.'

Can it be Cured?
'There is nothing to be cured. It's just a part of who they are.'

'Having Down Syndrome does not limit what a person can do. They contribute to their community in amazing ways, just like you.'

'She is a true blessing to her family and to everyone she meets,' says Eileen. 'She really has something about her that can turn a bad day into a good one.'

Emma and the second grade class at West Canada Valley are our 'Hometown Heros.' If you know someone who deserves to be recognized as a 'Hometown Hero,' email Polly@BigFrog104.com all the details.

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