Things looking up for Down Syndrome kids

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: More people are now aware that Down Syndrome is not infectious and parents with children afflicted by this ailment are no longer keeping them at home.
Toh Puan Ena Ling, patron of Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (KDSF), said there is a lot more knowledge about the syndrome today.
“When the foundation was established 18 years ago, it had two objectives – to educate Down Syndrome children from six months to six years of age, and to create public awareness about Down Syndrome,” she said.
Ena Ling was attending the World Down Syndrome Day event held at Pantai Medical Centre (PMC) here organised by KDSF and PMC with the theme “Celebrating Diversity”.
They joined organisations worldwide in paying tribute to the Down Syndrome community. March 21was chosen as it is symbolic in signifying the presence of extra genetic material on the 21st chromosome, which results in Down Syndrome.
About 80 children, parents, caregivers and hospital staff attended the event held at PMC hall.
PMC chief executive officer Choy Wah Wei said the Down Syndrome incidence is one in every 660 live births and although there is no cure, children with the syndrome will benefit from loving homes, early intervention, special education, appropriate medical care and a positive attitude.
The celebrations also included performances from individuals with Down Syndrome. One of them, 10-year-old Hang Chuen Wern, asked , “Do you see me like others?” and 32-year-old Eugene Wong told his life story as a testimony of what a person with Down Syndrome is capable of as he was active in school and is currently working with KDSF.
KDSF National Centre chairman Tee Han Cheong said parents with Down Syndrome children can contact the centre for support, advice and education for their kids at 03-78030179 or visit www.kdsf.org.my