Mead’s Join Down Syndrome Awareness Campaign

Governor Matt Mead and First Lady Carol Mead are joining the national campaign to raise awareness about Down Syndrome cognitive research. To kick off the campaign the Governor’s residence will be illuminated in blue light on March 21, 2012.

The Light the Way campaign was first launched on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2011. The campaign supports Research Down Syndrome’s efforts to educate, increase awareness and raise funds for Down Syndrome cognitive research.

New developments in the area bring the promise of biomedical therapies to improve memory, learning and communication, helping individuals with Down Syndrome live healthier, more active lives.

Down Syndrome, the most common chromosomal anomaly in humans, is the result of having 47 chromosomes instead of 46. The extra genetic material is typically associated with delays in physical and intellectual development ranging from mild to moderate in nature.

An estimated three million people worldwide have Down Syndrome, including approximately 400,000 in the United States. Life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome has more than doubled in the past twenty-five years and now averages 55 to 60 years.

For more information see www.researchds.org/.