October 7, 2005

By Daniel Mark Wheaton

Scientists believe that it will someday be possible to avoid many of the problems associated with Down syndrome, but not everyone thinks that’s a good idea.

Chery-Lynn Murray grew up with a younger brother who has Down syndrome. She says that having a child born with the common genetic condition is a blessing.

“They’re the most loving, friendly people in the world,” said Murray.

Murray’s brother, David, has what she describes as a mild form of Down syndrome. His motor skills are slower than average, his cognitive development has remained at roughly the level of a four-year-old child, and he has a speech impediment.

Murray says growing up with David has made her a better person.

“It made me more accepting of people with disabilities,” she said. “It made me a lot more helpful.”

“It made me look at both sides of a person.”

She says most people don’t go out of their way to help people with disabilities, but she finds that she does.

Murray loves introducing her friends to David.

“I feel really proud of him,” she said. “He’s the sun in the sky to me.”

“He’s the most lovable person in the world.”

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal genetic condition, occurring in approximately one in every 800 to 1,000 births.