Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus (CDSC), celebrated World Down Syndrome Day (WSDS) today.  On this day, Down syndrome organizations throughout the world organize and participate in events to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.  Started in 2006, this is the first year WSDS is being recognized by the United Nations.  The date of March 21 was selected by Down Syndrome International to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome.

“Five years ago, my husband, Brian and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, whose name is Cole, and he was born with that extra 21^st chromosome” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers in a floor speech today.  “Cole has given me a whole new perspective on being a mother and also a Member of Congress.  Cole’s birth has given me a whole new purpose for serving in Congress, and her remind me every day of the significance and tremendous impact that every person has in this world…Today, on this special day, it’s my turn to help carry the baton and to help unleash the potential of all those living with disabilities.” 

To watch the Congresswoman’s floor speech, click here.

At the CDSC Facebook page, there is a list of “21 Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.”  To read and share the list, click here.