COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WRBL ) — October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month – a time to foster worldwide support and create an inclusive environment for people with down syndrome.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, approximately 1 in 770 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. It’s a diagnosis that many parents fear.
In that moment… I just just froze. It’s like my brain just couldn’t process it or maybe wouldn’t process it.
Tara Barnes, Co-Secretary, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Columbus
Tara Barnes says she read the diagnosis alone while her first born was taking a nap and her husband was at work. It terrified her.
I never want anyone to ever feel the way I felt like. And I think that is a big part of why I’m involved with DSAGC, because it didn’t have to hurt that much.
Tara Barnes, Co-Secretary, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Columbus
Barnes has been a member of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Columbus (DSAGC) for the past three years.