TODAY.com marked World Down Syndrome Day with a special segment showcasing the stories of a few people who have Trisomy21 or Mosaic Down Syndrome and Ashley Zambelli is one of the people highlighted in the article. You can read the story via the following Link.
At Awareness21, we strive to raise awareness about crucial social issues that impact our Down Syndrome communities. Through education and outreach, we aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions and foster positive change.
Ashley and her partner, Taylor, is a happy family of six with their four children; Lillian, Evelyn, Katherine, and Damian.
Ashley was diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome in February of 2023 when she was tested for it after having a 3rd pregnancy with Trisomy 21. Click the button to learn more about Ashley's diagnosis of Mosaic Down Syndrome.
Click the link to read more about Ashley and her family, as well as links to the many articles written about them in the Media.
Did you know, there are 3 types of Down Syndrome?
Trisomy 21
Roughly 95% have this type. This is when all of the cells have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.
Mosaic Down Syndrome
(Also known as Mosaic Trisomy 21)
Roughly 2% have this type. This is when there is a set of typical cells, and another set of cells with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. The % of these cells can vary from person to person. One person may have 5% of cells with it, while another could have 80% of cells with it. This will determine how many traits and characteristics of Trisomy 21 the person could receive.
Robertsonian Translocation:
Roughly 3% have this type. This is when the 21st chromosome is attached to another chromosome, rather than a complete extra chromosome of its own.
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Common Questions:
How does having an extra 21st chromosome affect people?” and “Why are certain health conditions and facial features associated with Down Syndrome?”
When the cells of an individual has an extra 21st chromosome, certain genes may become over expressive. These over expressive genes are what can give someone the phenotypes (facial features) associated with this syndrome, as well as a higher susceptibility for congenital heart disease, thyroid disorders, intellectual disabilities, gastrointestinal disorders, etc...
People who have Mosaic Down Syndrome can have less over expressive genes, depending on the % of mosaicism, than some people with Trisomy 21 may have. This is why some people with Mosaic Down Syndrome get their diagnosis later in life.
If you would like to donate directly to the National Down Syndrome Society you may do so here: https://ndss.org/donations
If you would like to donate directly to the CHD Foundation you may do so here: https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/
If you would like to donate directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society you may do so here: https://www.lls.org/dare-to-dream
We created this shop for the main purpose of spreading awareness, so please feel free to make a direct donation to a foundation in the Charities Section over buying our products! If you choose to spread awareness by getting our merchandise to wear around, that’s also very much appreciated. We have made sure we don’t make more than $4 of profit per item purchased.