For the millions of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, cognitive learning can be a lifelong mystery and challenge. Thanks to the Research Down Syndrome Organization hope is on the horizon. A team of highly skilled scientists from universities and research labs across the country are testing a new drug that could potentially improve cognitive learning and memory retention. They have also discovered that the 16th chromosome in mice is very similar to the human chromosome 21. Why is this significant? Each human has 2 sets of 23 chromosomes, one from the father and one from the mother. Babies born with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome 21, also known as Trisomy 21. You may wonder how this research is funded; well a special group, Nathans RDS has made it their mission to raise money for the continuing efforts in the advancements of this research. One way Nathans RDS raises money is their highly anticipated annual dinner and Celebrity Golf Classic tournament. This year I was asked to be a guest speaker, and I was extremely honored. I shared my family story and explained what this research means to me personally. On behalf of my sister, and others with intellectual disabilities we support and approve of this research and wait anxiously for a successful outcome. I would like to thank Patty Watson and her family for their tireless efforts and passion for this organization. For more information please visit www.nathansrds.com
