World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated every 21st of March. The first time was in 2012. For those who might not know, down syndrome is a condition. According to the Healthline website, it happens when children are born having the 21st chromosome to be extra. They have to overcome certain physical and mental difficulties.
Little did many people know, there are a lot of down syndrome people who have achieved success in their life. They are able to do it despite their condition. That is such an amazing achievement that they get. These are some of them.
Famous People To Appreciate During World Down Syndrome Day
1) Pablo Pineda – (Writer, Teacher, Consultant)
This is the first student with Down Syndrome in Spain to obtain a university degree. He successfully obtained a diploma in teaching and also a BA in Educational Psychology. After that, he becomes a writer, teacher, and consultant with Fundacion Adecco. Other than that, he also acted in a movie titled Yo tambien and he received the Silver Shell Award in the year 2009. The act that he did is to increase awareness in society about Down syndrome.
2) Lauren Potter – (Actress)
She was one of the most memorable actresses featured in Glee as Becky Jackson. A very talented person for acting. Stated on Mind website, she also got featured in Switched at Birth, Veep, and a reality series named Born This Way. Last but not least, the short film titled Guest Room. Lauren Potter attended acting and dance classes since young.
3) Madeline Stuart – (Model)
She is the first famous professional model with Down syndrome. She started to be a model in the year 2015 after she has decided to choose the path in 2014. The Mind website stated that she has appeared in Marie Claire, Woman’s Day, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and more. In addition, she also modeled for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week China, New York Fashion Week, Runway Dubai, and the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival.
4) Judith Scott – (Sculptor)
She is one of the most well-known sculptures. Her signature sculptures would always consist of objects cocooned in so many colors of yarn and cloth. She made more than 200 sculptures throughout her life. Proudly, many exhibitions have her works. Some of them are The American Folk Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and others.
5) Chris Burke – Actor and Folk Singer
Last but not least, Chris Burke. He acted in a character that features Down syndrome for the first time ever on TV. The character would be Charles ‘Corky’ Thatcher in Life Goes. His parents were told that Chris Burke need to be placed in an institution. On contrary, the parents decided to raise him at home. They also encourage him with his natural talents.
Sources: Mind, Healthline.