On Wednesday, March 21, World Down Syndrome Day sparked support by Fernie locals who gathered together wearing mismatched socks.
It served as a reminder that everyone is beautiful, despite physical differences.
Children attending the daycare program at the Fernie Family Centre wore mismatched socks to support Grace Paetzold, a two-and-a-half year old Fernie girl who was born with Down Syndrome. Additionally, staff at the Fernie Heritage Library wore mismatched socks for their reading sessions, which Grace was also present for.
The tradition of the mismatched socks was started to raise awareness, encourage support, and start conversations about Down Syndrome. March 21 was chosen for World Down Syndrome because of the triplication of chromosome 21. Every year, Down Syndrome International asks individuals around the world to participate in the #LotsOfSocks campaign, by wearing fun, unusual, mismatched socks.
People around the world took to social media to post photos of their crazy mismatched socks with the hashtag, #WDSD18 and #LotsOfSocks.
“We’re celebrating people with down syndrome and celebrating the communities that support inclusion,” said Rebekah Paetzold, mother to Grace.
“For me as parent, it’s nice to raise awareness, so that I feel supported by my community. Today when I saw people wearing their mismatched socks, it was like, yeah that’s awesome, they’re making an effort to learn or understand what our family is all about.”
Paetzold says there’s a few reasons why raising awareness about Down Syndrome is important.
“I think it’s great for our community to meet some people with down syndrome and see where they fit in to our community,” said Paetzold.
There are at least six individuals in Fernie with Down Syndrome, all a variety of ages with a variety of jobs and roles in the community.
“I want Grace to know there are other people with Down Syndrome and see all the possibilities for her future,” she added.
When they first learned that their daughter had Down Syndrome, Rebekah and David Paetzold were worried. They didn’t know how this would change their life.
Three other families in Fernie have children with Down Syndrome, and together they reached out to support them. They came to their home to welcome Grace and celebrate with the Paetzold’s. They spoke with the family about their fears and assured them that everything was going to be just fine. Now that some time has passed, Rebekah says they were right.
“All along, our experiences have been full of joy, laughter, and pride,” she said. “There is a saying, we are more alike than different, and we have found this to be very true.”