Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month. So I thought I'd post about famous people with Down Syndrome. People who are doing 'everyday' things and making headlines. People who happen to have 47 chromosomes.

Ever heard of Chris Burke? Sure you have. He played the brother in the TV series "Life Goes On" many years ago. He also is part of a musical group. He and brothers Joe and John deMasi have a folksy kind of sound. They played last year at our Buddy Walk. One thing I remember from them is they told a story of Chris' parents. At the time Chris was school age, the school system where he was would not allow him to attend. His parents had to put him in a private school. Another story, several people with the show "Life Goes On" were hesitant to hire him. They feared he'd slow production down from sickness or not knowing his lines, etc. Chris was the only actor who showed up EVERY day and always knew his lines. Never called in sick. Did NOT slow down production. You can see more of his story here.

More later.....