March 21 is a global awareness day for those with Down syndrome -- World Down Syndrome Day has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
Down syndrome, sometimes referred to as Trisomy 21, is a condition in which a person is born with three copies of their 21st chromosome, instead of just two copies. That extra copy changes how the body and brain develop.
This condition is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the country -- approximately 1 in 700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States every year. In Michigan, about 150 babies are born with Down syndrome each year. According to recent research, the number of babies born with Down syndrome has increased by 30-percent in the last 50 years.
►WATCH from the Archives: Girl tells the world that Down syndrome is 'not scary'
Children with Down syndrome may act and look similar, however, every person and child has different range of abilities both mental and physical. World Down Syndrome Day is just one way that friends and family of those with Down syndrome are raising awareness, advocating for inclusion and pushing for more research.
In our effort to honor World Down Syndrome Day, we asked our viewers to share photos of their friends and family who have Down syndrome.
To learn more about Down syndrome and World Down Syndrome Day, check out these resources:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.
April Stevens is a multi-platform producer at WZZM 13. Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.
