Extinction or Salvation?

Friday the 17th of the Blog Challenge...

Sometimes it can be really difficult to tough out some of the information that is out there about Down syndrome, and the community.  While we parents are trying to sort our way through a minefield of school, social, and medical hazards; circling us like sharks finding chummed water are those that believe that children with Down syndrome are not worthy of life.  New Zealand is confident that they can eradicate Down syndrome completely before the next generation.  In Europe, you have parents that want to be able to sue for damages if a child is born and given the surprise diagnosis.  More science is trying to determine the moment that the extra Chromosome attaches so that at conception it can be turned off and a child destined to have Down syndrome, won't.

But here's the thing, even though research for Down syndrome is severely under funded, the research happening is finding ways to help every single one of us.  So as you hear those demanding that these are not babies that should be born, that these are babies that should be terminated as late as at birth...these people without worth; in fact, may save your life or the life of someone you love just because they exist.

What?  I know, a lot to take in...but walk with me here and let's see how this works.  Prepare yourself as I quote some science at you.  I have talked before about researchers trying to understand how Alzheimer's begins and how to find a way to make it end.  Alzheimer's often hits those with Down syndrome earlier and progresses faster.  In fact, most have all the potential for Alzheimer's by age 12. Frightening prospect for the parent of an almost five year old boy.  Okay, that's harsh, here's the better news.  There are researchers that are currently discovering how plaque grows, how the neurons do and do not attach and a whole slew of other mind blowing (no pun intended) work, that leaves me scrambling to understand and learn more.

So there's one area that you would think would ensure the survival of those with an extra chromosome...and yet...  not enough?

How about this.  You may not know this yet, but those with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood to contract Leukemia.  We endure a blood test every year just to check white blood cells with Bradley, one of the two scariest tests that he has a year.  So the idea now is that there is some amplification of the 21st chromosome.  Not the extra, just the 21st.  Which means, even in someone with the standard number of Chromosomes, there are changes to the 21st Chromosome.  So in those with a third chromosome, there is just more amplification.  Horrible right?  Very.  But check this out, there is also something in the 21st Chromosome that fights the production of the neurogeneics that create tumors. the extra Chromosome has something that prevents the tumors from growing:

scientists have already identified at least two "tumor suppressor" genes that work by preventing the formation of new blood vessels around an actively growing solid tumor. The process of blood vessel formation, known as angiogenesis, is tightly controlled by pro- and anti-angiogenic genes, and we know now that two potent anti-angiogenic genes are on chromosome 21. Thus, the additional copy of these genes in people with Down syndrome would prevent the irrigation of incipient tumors, effectively starving them of oxygen and nutrients. 

A second point: "the extra chromosome somehow prevents stem cells from dividing properly, so cancer cells that happen to occur, which resemble stem cells in many ways, fail to form a tumor."

So it comes down to potential, what is the potential for solving the mysteries of Alzheimer's and Cancer, and then ending them?  The amount of potential information we can learn from someone with Down syndrome is phenomenal and yet the funding so often runs short.  "In 2012, the National Institute of Health spent only 50 research dollars per individual with Down syndrome, seven times less than what was spent on people with multiple sclerosis, and 57 times less than what was spent on people with cystic fibrosis."  This kind of discrepancy is hindering the race for a cure.  The more we learn about Down syndrome and the accelerated aging process that effects them, the better for everyone.  

 So there you come back around...Extinction or Salvation?   Maybe we better figure this out before it's too late.  And maybe, just maybe, we should live and let live, stop forcing people to live in a preconceived bubble, let them live their lives, and know that an Extra Chromosome may make them different, but that's okay, we need different.  Better yet, follow the suggestion of the writer of the article:  "Next time you meet a person with Down syndrome, say thank you, because he or she may enable the cure for common health issues that will affect you and those you love."  Joaquin M. Espinosa 

If you have an interest to read more, please follow the link below to the article by Joaquin M. Espinosa: "Does Study of Down Syndrome Hold a Possible Cancer Cure?"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joaquin-m-espinosa/does-study-of-down-syndro_b_5979458.htmlcuring

Together we make the difference.  One voice is all it takes to begin the journey towards a better tomorrow for our kids!  Every person is here for a reason, don't erase the reason before you know why they are here.  Those that refuse to see someone with Down syndrome as worthy of life should not be allowed free rein to consider changing our lives for us.  Speak out, Speak up!  Be the positive change and give people like Bradley a chance to have a place in this world.