Why We Support Down Syndrome Awareness Month

The month of October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Join us in the celebration of individuals with Down syndrome and the continual education on what the syndrome is. We encourage all to get involved, raise awareness and support for Down syndrome organizations! 

What is Down Syndrome?

Having Down syndrome means an infant was born with an extra chromosome - a genetic condition that can develop as a baby grows in utero. Down syndrome occurs when a baby’s cells develop abnormally, resulting in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. 

Down Syndrome Facts 

Thanks to advances in medical care and a focused effort to raise awareness about Down syndrome, parents and children alike are more equipped than they’ve ever been to live as typically as possible in spite of inherent challenges of the condition. Here are a few key facts from the CDC to know about Down syndrome:

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from age 25 in 1983 to age 60 today.
• Down syndrome continues to be the most common chromosomal disorder. Each year, about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome, which is about 1 in every 700 babies born.
• Individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
• Among children aged 0-4 years with private insurance, average medical care costs were 12 times higher for children with Down syndrome compared to children of the same age without Down syndrome.
• Positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Yet with all the advancements and awareness, Down syndrome continues to be one of the lowest funded of the major genetic disorders by our National Institutes of Health, despite being the most frequent chromosomal disorder. 

Why We Support this Cause 

Here at Arnold Insurance, we are proud to celebrate and support Down Syndrome Awareness Month. We consider our employees to be family - one big family that shows support and gets behind each other as much as we can, especially during this month. A few of our families have children with Down syndrome, so we want to make sure we are actively participating during the month and encourage others to do so. 

Meet Quinn!

Quinn is the superstar granddaughter of our Operations Manager, Shelley Clark and the daughter to Chelsey LeGrand that works in our personal lines department. Quinn is a four-year old with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. Since birth, Quinn has been defying the odds and surpassing expectations. We like to think of her as a real life miracle. You can follow her journey here on Facebook! 

The Arnold Insurance Homebound Drive

Due to COVID-19, most students that are immunocompromised are receiving their services homebound. This means any services such as a teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist comes to the homes of these children. Because of this, we have decided to hold a homebound drive to help collect supplies for these professionals. Our goal is to donate supplies to the homebound therapist and those families. 

We’ve reached out to these therapists and teachers and they have created a donation list of items that would be greatly appreciated. Items on their list include: 

• Puzzles.
• Magnet letters.
• Washable dot markers - Dobbers.
• Beads (pony and large size).
• Playdoh.
• Playdoh tools.
• Pip-Squeak Crayola markers.
• Fat Crayons.
• Dry erase markers.
• Large sidewalk chalk.
• Stickers.
• Building toys (Ex. Blocks, Magna-tiles, Jumbo Legos, large pull apart/put together toys)
• Action/Manipulative board games (Ex. Connect Four, Buckaroo, Don’t break the ice, small potato head).
• Storage containers the size of a shoe box (For sensory bin).
• Bag of beans (For sensory bin).
• Foam or plastic letters, shapes or numbers (For sensory bin).
• Small scoops or cups (For sensory bin).
• Lysol.
• Clorox wipes.
• Gift cards to buy materials needed.

Ways to Give 

Let's make a difference together! Here's how to donate during Down Syndrome Awareness month: 

• Monetary donations can be made through the Arnold Insurance Homebound Drive on Venmo. Just search "@Chelsey-LeGrand" to donate.
• Drop off any donations at any of our locations. 
• Reach out to any employee on staff with a donation.