It is such a welcome sight to see the advancement and love for those with Down syndrome in St. Charles Parish.
Nationwide, there was a time when it was thought they should be put somewhere and left on their own. But, over time, it became clear that it was just a misconception that we were really ever ashamed of people who were truly special.
And, even among those who misunderstood them, they wouldn’t stay that way long if they met Nathan Leathers and came to know his passion for being in Destrehan High School’s Junior ROTC drumline. He loves wearing his ROTC jacket and focuses intently while he beats his drum.
Who wasn’t excited for Craig Blackburn finding Heather Hancock of Oklahoma and their 14-year relationship? Their love has lasted much longer than many relationships and they appear to be quite dedicated to each other, too.
Through support and love, these three are overcoming the obstacles and misconceptions with Down syndrome that once made it impossible for them to achieve their dreams.
They are proving we are all better people working together rather than separately – no matter who we are.
Down syndrome is just chromosomal condition, which means those with it have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, according to the National Down Syndrome Society.
There are about 400,000 people living with this syndrome in the United States, and many of them are living healthy lives with today’s medical advances.
In addition to Leathers, Blackburn and Hancock’s successes, there are many others with their own success stories, too.
Megan McCormick was the first person with Down syndrome to graduate with honors from Bluegrass Community Technical College and plans to be a teacher.
Tim Harris opened his own restaurant called Tim’s Place. He’d been named his high school homecoming king in the school’s highest margin of votes in the school’s history.
Born in Spain, Pablo Pineda earned a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology and became a successful actor.
They, like most people, just want a hand up, not a hand out. And the better among us offer that hand with the hope we’re all making the world a better place for everyone.
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