Down Syndrome symposium brings families together

It’s a well known disorder but not one often talked about: Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome has more than two hundred thousand cases in the US each year, several of those right here in the borderland.

The Down SYndrome Coalition for El Paso got together Sunday to set up a symposium and help families working with this disorder.

The Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso brought together families and healthcare providers all working together to help patients living with Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21. Support groups showcased their services while doctors gave talks on how to deal with the medical complications the disorder brings

“El Paso and the community supports them with whatever they need. Whether its therapeutic services, counseling, dentistry, medical advice,” said Felipe Martinez, president of the coalition.

“El Paso is taking a leap forward in bringing Down Syndrome more to light, which is exactly what we want to see. Hopefully this is not the end and we take even more further steps in education, medicine, and other parts of society,” said Jesus Martinez, who took his daughter to the symposium.

One of the biggest sources of help, families say, is knowing they’re not alone and reaching out to other families who are living with the disorder.

“Not only are they not alone in this journey that was probably unexpected, but now they have an army behind them,” Martinez said.

Families, doctors, and social workers helping each other to bring a better future for these little ones, giving them a chance to live their own life no matter where they are from.

“We try and give them physical therapy, motor skills therapy, life skills, so someday they can be independent…it’s what we want for our kids, we all want our sons, our daughters, our cousins, our loved ones, is that they can one day be independent and live a full life just like everybody else,” explained Carlos Vargas, who helps families in Las Cruces.

The coalition will be holding its annual Buddy Walk in October, you can stay updated through their Facebook page.