What is Down Syndrome?
Within every human cell there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in what we call genes. Genes carry the codes that account for all inherited traits and are grouped into chromosomes. Normally, the nucleus of our cells contain 23 pairs of these chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down Syndrome occurs when a child develops a full or partial extra copy of the specific chromosome number 21.
This added chromosome alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down Syndrome. A few of the common physical traits of Down Syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. There’s no standard profile of a person with Down Syndrome. Most people with Down Syndrome have mild to moderate mental impairments, but can often understand more than they can express. With family support and education, children born with Down Syndrome can often grow up to lead productive and satisfying lives in their communities.
What are the odds of having a child with Down Syndrome?
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, though older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down Syndrome. A 35-year-old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a child with Down Syndrome, and this chance increases gradually to 1 in 100 by age 40. At age 45 the incidence becomes approximately 1 in 30.
Joys
What joys come with having a child with Down Syndrome?
Many parents fear having a child with Down Syndrome, but Victory Lane Camp believes families can discover great joy in raising a child with Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome help parents and families embrace the most important things in life with enthusiasm. Common personality characteristics include joyfulness, contentment, stubborn determination, enthusiasm, life on a slower pace, and the celebration of every moment.
Challenges
What challenges come with having a child with Down Syndrome?
Some common challenges of kids with Down Syndrome include general developmental delays, high likelihood of heart surgery, and possible hip dysplasia. Since increasing numbers of children are impacted by Down Syndrome, there are many medical resources to guide families through these challenges. Victory Lane Camp is more than a resource, it’s a community that comes alongside families to make a real difference in how they interact as a family and with the world around them. You can make a difference in these children’s lives when you support Victory Lane Camp.
How does Victory Lane Camp help a family raising a child with Down Syndrome?
Feelings of isolation can be emotionally draining to any family. Raising a child who has Down Syndrome can feel especially isolating.
Victory Lane Camp is a fully equipped community of caring and compassionate families who understand the joys and challenges of raising kids. We provide camping experiences for families raising kids from ages 3 to 13 who are facing a disability.
We use camp experiences to build an intentional community of love and support. Our guided process empowers other families to surround and support a family who is raising a child with Down Syndrome.
Victory Lane Camp specializes in adapting every situation to make every family feel at home. We welcome, embrace, and intentionally meet each family’s needs. As families connect, they encourage each other and share life experiences together outside of camp, ranging from organized events to impromptu family gatherings.
You have the power to make a difference.
Please choose your level of support for children with Down Syndrome and their families today.
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