1% Better Challenge

Down Syndrome

What is Down Syndrome?

In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.

This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm – although each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.

To Learn More

Click on the picture to the right to go to National Down Syndrome Society

misperception #1: Low Muscle Tone is not limiting

3 Years Old

NOW: 18 months later

My Sister and Me

At the age of three, because of my low muscle tone, I needed a walker to walk. I started with a big disadvantage. My sister could walk when she was 9-months.

The biggest problem is people think a delay means we can't do it.

NO, a delay is just a delay, it is not permanent. It just means we have to work harder and that's OK.

My Sister and Me

NOW: 18 months later

My Sister and Me

When my sister was 12, she set a HS record for discuss throw. She has high muscle tone that develops quickly.

Not me. By 18, I was 180 pounds, overweight and out of shape. If I kept doing what I was doing, today I might be over 200 pounds, sitting on the couch watching video games blaming my low muscle tone. No, NOT ME.

I don't do excuses and my coaches won't take them.

NOW: 18 months later

I decided to do a Jr. Triathlon. Then I focused on getting 1% Better every day. Then I did a Sprint triathlon in 148 minutes. Then 100 minutes. Then an Olympic in 4 hours. Then Half Ironman in 8:25.

Yes, I know I can't compete with an elite athlete BUT through hard work, I can get strong enough to complete an Ironman. We must changing our

I decided to do a Jr. Triathlon. Then I focused on getting 1% Better every day. Then I did a Sprint triathlon in 148 minutes. Then 100 minutes. Then an Olympic in 4 hours. Then Half Ironman in 8:25.

Yes, I know I can't compete with an elite athlete BUT through hard work, I can get strong enough to complete an Ironman. We must changing our thinking from I can't to I can BUT I must work harder to BREAK through my low muscle tone.

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