Published: June 19, 2009 01:47 pm      

Southern Indiana organization supports dads of Down syndrome children

Bart Adkins and his wife, Mary Ann, lived through every parent’s worst nightmare in August 2005.

Mary Ann gave birth to a set of twins, a boy and a girl, and they immediately faced challenges. Their daughter’s blood-sugar levels refused to level because of her low birth weight, and their son was found to have three copies of chromosome 21.

He had Down syndrome.

There are more than 400,000 people in the United States who have Down syndrome.

Adkins has used his life experience to rally with other fathers promoting a very important message. He understands the fears and struggles that come along with raising a Down syndrome child, but said the emphasis shouldn’t be placed on negatives, so much as the positives.

“Individuals with Down syndrome are more [like us] than different,” he said.

Adkins is the public relations correspondent for Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome of Kentuckiana Inc. He got involved with DADS after a meeting with the founder inspired him and a group of four other fathers coping with similar situations to build a support network for the local area.

“We’re unique because we’re a network of dads,” Adkins explained. “We’re about positive awareness for these individuals.”

On Saturday, DADS will host its second-annual Fishing Derby at 11000 Rocky Road in Louisville. The event will be supporting children with Down syndrome. Every participant will receive an award for their efforts. The event begins at 11 a.m.

“[This event] is open to individuals and families with Down syndrome,” Adkins said. “It will bring siblings and families together.”

The Fishing Derby is sponsored by Bass Pro Shop and is set to be a day full of fishing, fun and prizes. Registration for the event has passed, but those looking to get involved with DADS can find more information on its Web site, www.DadsofKentuckiana.org.





WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME?

• Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. More than 50 percent of miscarriages are caused by a chromosomal abnormality. As many as 25 percent of all miscarriages are caused by a trisomy, which is the presence of three copies of a particular chromosome, rather than the normal two.

— National Down Syndrome Society