Macy was three years old when we celebrated our first World Down Syndrome Day.
When I learned about World Down Syndrome Day, established in 2012 and celebrated on 3/21 to reflect the third copy of the twenty-first chromosome, I was excited to celebrate but unsure what to do. That first year we wore our mismatched socks. We learned that mismatched socks were a thing because socks look like chromosomes and when people wear mismatched socks others will notice and point it out, opening up opportunities for conversations around Down syndrome. Since 2012 this simple yet impactful idea has spread far and wide with whole companies starting mismatched sock brands and dozens of organizations offering their own unique socks for sale to be worn on 3/21 for people all over the world to wearThe mismatched socks were not the only thing to grow and expand over the years. 3/21 has become a catalyst for non-profits, organizations and families alike to launch products, initiatives, fundraisers, books, podcasts and more, all in the name of Down syndrome awareness.
For example
2017 my first book titled, The Lucky Few, came out on 3/21 (which I had nothing to do with and was a bit of a sweet nod since books come out on Tuesdays and in 2017 3/21 was on a Tuesday!).
2018, I launched my podcast, The Lucky Few Podcast on 3/21.
2022, I launched our non-profit, The Lucky Few Foundation on, you guessed it, 3/21.
