If you know me personally then you know that Down Syndrome has a special place in my heart as my brother has Down Syndrome. Today is World Down Syndrome Day. The holiday was started in 2005, but my life was impacted by Down Syndrome before that. Down Syndrome or also called Trisomy 21 is when a person is born with an extra 21st chromosome. People born with Down Syndrome are a gift to this earth as they are a bundle of joy and always will put a smile on your face.

Camren Booth is my smile on my face. He was born in 2002 and was born with Down Syndrome. Our family didn’t know what to expect in the beginning but one thing we were sure about was that we were going to give him extra love. Camren had some obstacles in the beginning with Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, but my other brother Colby was only a couple years older than him so he was pushing him to keep up. Camren would participate in the Special Olympics and his first year I was away due to a football camp. I promised myself that I would never miss it again and in his second year of the Special Olympics we were able to walk on the ISU football field for the opening ceremony. That moment filled my heart with some many emotions and to see the smile on Camren’s face will always stay with me.

Camren now is in high school and like any other teenager has gained a little attitude. I always ask him if he is being good at school and he always responds with “duh”. I then have to ask mom to get the real stories. Camren has his obstacles that he has to face everyday, but he takes on those obstacles with a smile on his face.

Having a brother with a disability has humbled me and made me strive to grow more as a person everyday. Camren I know you aren’t reading this but I thank the Lord for bringing you into our life. You have been angel from above and I love you so much!

Please also take a moment today to go check out John’s Crazy Socks. John was born with Down Syndrome and started a company with his father to sell awesome socks. There motto is to Spread Happiness and 5% of revenue goes to Special Olympics. Also more than half of their employees have a disability and build their business around their employees. John, you are an inspiration. https://johnscrazysocks.com