I'm sure this has made the rounds on the listservs, but I just
received it from someone in Atlanta, loved it, and wanted to share.
Jenny

Down Syndrome Articles
http://www.riverbendds.org/july02.html
Down Syndrome is Contagious by Wendy Holden.
Reprinted (at the Riverbend website) with the permission of the
author.

Wendy Holden, Kittitas County Parent to Parent Coordinator, lives in
Ellensburg, WA. Eli, born December 30, 2000, is her sixth child.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a triplication
of the genetic material on the 21st chromosome. This trisomy occurs
with the first division of the developing zygote, as a result there
is extra genetic material present in every cell of the individual.
Recently, science has discovered that this cellular abnormality is
highly contagious. As result, family members (and even friends) of
individuals with Down syndrome often find themselves exhibiting
dramatic changes due to this "something extra" permeating their
bodies at the cellular level. These changes manifest themselves in a
number of ways.

Something extra in the visual cortex results in parents who view the
world differently. In addition to seeing things in an entirely new
light, these parents also report having an increased ability to focus
on what is important. Spontaneous appearance of tears of joy have
also been confirmed.

The section of the brain used in logical thought undergoes dramatic
changes. Parents suddenly find themselves able to comprehend and
discuss complex medical procedures. The ability to decipher long
strings of acronyms appears almost immediately and it is not uncommon
for affected parents of newborns to be able to differentiate between
ASD, VSD and PDA. Familiarity with G-tubes, Pic lines and the NICU is
another side effect.

Over time, the entire nervous system is transformed, enabling parents
to perform tasks previously thought impossible. These changes result
in individuals finding the nerve to advocate before large crowds,
speak to classrooms of medical students and educate the population at
large about issues they are passionate about.

These changes are closely tied into dysfunctions in the verbal
abilities, which makes it virtually impossible for parents to bite
their tongue. Often, individuals who previously considered themselves
reserved will find themselves outspoken and effective communicators.

The pulmonary system is altered to a dramatic extent. Parents report
having their breath taken away at the slightest prompting. The
cardiovascular system develops similar vulnerabilities and reports of
hearts pounding loudly and swelling unexpectedly are not uncommon.
One mother reported that her heart skipped a beat when her son smiled
at her for the first time.

The extremities are also altered. Arms reach out to strangers for
support, and in turn, hands comfort and nurture those in need. Legs
strengthen and balance improves, allowing parents to stand firm in
their convictions and walk without faltering, even when shouldering a
heavy load.

Scientists are baffled by the widespread scope of these symptoms.
Equally perplexing is the response of those afflicted. Parents
readily acknowledge fundamental changes in their being, however,
almost universally declare a preference for their new, altered level
of functioning. "I wouldn't change a thing" is a common refrain.
Apparently, the presence of a little "something extra" enhances the
lives of individual fortunate enough to be infected.
http://www.riverbendds.org/july02.html