Dear future mom: A message of hope from children with Down syndrome

One pregnant mother recently discovered her future son would have Down syndrome. She sent an email to CoorDown, an Italian organization that advocates for children with Down syndrome, looking for help with the anxiety she felt.

Here was their response.

Fifteen people with Down syndrome tell her that her son will be able to:

• Go to school

• Fix a bike

• Run to you

• Hug you

• Love you.

Sometimes it will be difficult. Very difficult. Almost impossible.

But isn’t it like that for all mothers?

Dear future mom,

Your child can be happy, just like I am, but you’ll be happy too.

Right, Mom?

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is March 21st in order to raise awareness of trisomy 21, the genetic term for babies who inherit an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Nine out of ten babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in the United States are not given the same opportunities you and I have. They are aborted.

On this day around the world, individuals with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them organize events to raise awareness and advocate for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

Join them on Facebook and Twitter. And if you have a message of hope for future moms, share it! Use #DearFutureMom.