Our life changed forever when our fourth son, Michael, was born with Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome. Our lack of knowledge about Down Syndrome led to fear which disappeared the more we learned that Michael is just like any typical child.  We established “Michael's Run for Trisomy 21” to raise awareness and knowledge about Down Syndrome.  All proceeds from the race are donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Trisomy 21 program (http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/trisomy-21-program#.V1h3JNwwjIU).

Do you know?

• Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, not a disease. It occurs when the 21^st chromosome splits 3 times, instead of the usual 2.

• Everyone with Down Syndrome is different. We are all individuals regardless of how many chromosomes we have. All people with Down Syndrome experience mild to moderate cognitive delays. This is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

• One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down Syndrome.

Visit www.ndss.org to learn more facts about Down Syndrome.

Michael's Run for Trisomy 21 was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 2016 and is a 501(c)(3) corporation.