[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[House]
[Pages 3478-3479]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

  (Mr. BENISHEK asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, today, March 21, is World Down Syndrome 
Day. This internationally recognized event is set aside to raise public 
awareness of what Down syndrome is and about the important role that 
people with Down syndrome play in our lives and our communities.
  According to the National Down Syndrome Society, there are currently 
about 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States 
alone. These people are faced with elevated risks for many other health 
conditions and must confront obstacles every day of their lives.
  Organizations like the Upper Peninsula Down Syndrome Association in 
northern Michigan help to raise awareness of this condition. Through 
hosting events like the Buddy Walk, these organizations help to educate 
the general public and raise funds for programs that benefit those 
living with Down syndrome.
  In my own life, my family and I are blessed to have my youngest 
grandson, Archie, in our lives. We want Archie to have the ability and 
the freedom to be the best Archie that he can be.
  While we have made tremendous strides in helping those with Down 
syndrome, it is my hope that we continue to improve the quality of life 
and the opportunity for kids like Archie.

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