Whole Hog 2025 is back on March 29th! Get your tickets today!

World Down Syndrome Day is observed on the 3/21 every year to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome in Down Syndrome. It is a global awareness day where together we can promote the rights and inclusion of all individuals with Down Syndrome. Every year, people all around the world celebrate this special day in many ways! One way is the “Rock your Socks” campaign, where we all wear colorful, silly socks. This not only symbolically represents the chromosomes, which look like socks, but also raises awareness in a fun and encouraging way! How do you celebrate?

Visit worlddownsyndromeday.org for more information.

2025 Theme: “Improve our Support Systems”

Here are some of our local family testimonials:

LIAM— For my son Liam , I would love a world where people can see beyond his diagnosis. Where inclusion is a norm and he is not judged by assumptions or limits. Where he is given the opportunity to show all he is capable of doing, and all the love he can share.

DENISE- Ella es mi hija Denise , tiene 23 años. Ella ama bailar y modelar. Ah mi me gustaria que fueran mas incluidos en actividades que cualquier persona haría sin ver sus limitaciones, simplemente darles la oportunidad. Como en lo personal an Ella le encanta modelar , y llevarla a una audicion es un poco incomodo por las miradas mas que motivadoras, diciendo que hace ella aqui ? Eso Ella lo siente y es desalentador cuando las ganas de hacerlo las tienen, no solo en esto si no en muchas cosas de la vida cotidiana!

SARA- I wish when someone sees my daughter or any other individual with Down syndrome, they think of all the things they can accomplish rather than what they can’t.

JAYLIN- Stop the bullying and encourage kids to learn about down syndrome in schools. More support to show the world about them and how amazing it is to be a parent to one.

SOPHIA- I want to break the barriers that hold our children back from reaching their full potential. I am the proud momma of Sophia Estrello, a 12-year-old middle schooler, competitive ice skater, swimmer, and dedicated student. She reads, writes, attends church camp, and is always ready to dance! My hope is for a world where individuals with Down syndrome are given equal opportunities to thrive in every aspect of life.

ZOE- One change I wish to see in the world is the widespread implementation of inclusive education. Children with Down syndrome, like my own child, deserve the opportunity to learn alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms. In many places, individuals with Down syndrome are still segregated from typical educational environments, which limits their social and academic development. By ensuring that all schools provide tailored support and resources, such as specialized teaching strategies, paraprofessionals, and individualized learning plans, we can create a more inclusive educational system. This would not only help children with Down syndrome thrive academically, but also teach empathy, respect, and understanding among all students. Inclusive education fosters a more equitable society where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their abilities.

DOMINIC- I hope for patience, kindness and more resources for all individuals with down syndrome in the world. They definitely make the world and our lives a better place. Thank you!

DIEGO- My son enjoy the music to much I want more opportunities in this for him and others

ANGELITA- One wish I have would be to have more community programs to help individuals with Down syndrome especially for adults in particular.

FATIMA- Fátima ama bailar y su esfuerzo y dedicación a logrado pertenecer al ballet de la universidad autónoma de cd Juárez..ella sabe brillar con luz propia en lo que le gusta..

AMANDA- We are individuals with unique abilities and can do anything - we are people first!

MATEO- I am Mateo, I am unique and different, like everyone else. Believe in me, as I believe in you.

BREN- I would like to see a world where people with Down Syndrome are in many work environments showing the world that they are fully capable of holding a job. They are very responsible, and hard workers!

EMILIANO- I dream of a world where my son Emiliano is seen not through the lens of his diagnosis, but through the endless possibilities of what he can achieve. A world where comparisons among individuals with Down syndrome are set aside, and each person is celebrated for their unique journey and accomplishments, just like anyone else.

JOSHUA- The change that I would like to see in the world to ensure equal opportunities for individual with down syndrome will be respect, equality that every person has the same right as everyone else that they are not treated differently. Down syndrome individuals are the most lovely people in the world they make your life happier they teach you new things every day and make you a better person. I want the world to know that disability doesn’t make you different from other it makes you better and with a better heart. Let’s make the world with more love and less hate.

NOAH- This is Noah. As his advocates and his #1 fans, one change we would love to see in the world is the tools to promote his independence. Specifically, incorporating daily living tasks into student curriculums. From preschool to high school, students with disabilities have many opportunities to be taught independence outside their home. Ultimately, we would love to see Noah have the skills to safely live independently. That’s every parent’s dream, whether their child has a disability or not.

JORGE- Mi nombre es Herminia Arroyo y el es mi hijo Jorge y me gustaría que tuvieran a su alcance clases exclusivas para gente con síndrome de down de música, arte y cocina, para ampliar sus conocimientos y posibilidades de destacar en estas areas. Gracias

EMMARI- What we wish that they don’t see our blessings as different just because of the way they look. They need to see them as equals. They may need a little more help than others but patience is the key to happiness.

ALBERTO- Nos gustaría que hubiera más oportunidades para que ellos destacaran en su vida.