'Came As A Huge Shock': Irish Mum On Her Daughter's Diagnosis

The 14th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day to show the world children and adults with Down Syndrome are more alike than different, takes place this month.   
 

World Down Syndrome Day falls on the 21st of the third month, representing the three copies of chromosome 21.

In a bid to give back to Down Syndrome Ireland, one mum is doing her bit on social media on the lead up in the hope of raising much-needed awareness.

Down syndrome advocate and Instagrammer, Melissah Mullins wants parents across Ireland to rock their socks on March 21st and to make a donation to Down Syndrome Ireland so they can continue with their stellar services.

She's asking parents to share posts of their funky socks across social media and will be offering a prize for the funkiest pair of socks. 

Microblogger Melissah told us she "wanted people to see that Down syndrome isn't bad and that people with Down syndrome are more than capable and that we are in fact 'the lucky few' who get to experience what it is really like".

Ms Mullins who is expecting her second baby next month told us her daughter may hit her milestones a little later than the 'normal child' but she will achieve those milestones with a little extra help and encouragement. 

When Evie was born, Melissah said her diagnosis "came as a huge shock", that she found it very hard to digest at first. Soon after her birth, she reached out to Down Syndrome Ireland who sent her a heap of information and support which helped her and her partner learn more about Evie's extra chromosome and all the services available to them both. 

Using her social media platform to advocate for inclusion in varies ways Melissah told us "Evie is just like you or me, she just has a little something extra, that makes her that little bit more unique."

"We live in a world where everyone wants to be different and stand out, Evie was born unique and I will make sure she embraces that," she concluded.

The Down Syndrome Centre Cork are also raising awareness and asking members of the public to wear funky socks or colourful tights to show your support.

image via Instagram

In an Instagram post, a spokesperson for the Centre said: "Why socks? At first, it is strange to comprehend how wearing a pair of coloured, mismatched socks could possibly be related to something like Down Syndrome." 

"It highlights that no matter what it looks like it’s purpose is the same! No matter the appearance, colour or pattern it keeps your tootsies warm! Essentially showing we are all more alike than different."

"And, on a more scientific note, chromosomes are said to resemble socks when examined under a microscope!"

If you would like to participate in raising awareness on World Down Syndrome Day, simply wear your brightest, craziest or mismatched socks on March 21st and make a donation to Down Syndrome Ireland or Down Syndrome Centre Cork. 

Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of 4 kids aged 2, 3, 4 and 8 (and she is expecting baby #5 in May). A self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie would never turn down a coffee and she loves to travel and share every day true to life moments on Instagram of her expanding family. Follow her daily adventures on Instagram.