Berkeley Jeannette

Berkeley's progress has been truley amazing! Berkeley has been walking since 15 months. She is exploring and getting into everything, her favorite is climbing on and into things. Her favorite toys are kitchen aids, like tupperware, pots and pans. Above all her favorite activity is reading books. No she's not reading on her own yet but, all day long she will get her books and places one on my lap then turns around and scoot her butt into my lap waiting to get read to. It's too cute!

The human body is made of cells; all cells contain a center, called a nucleus, in which genetic material is stored. This genetic material, known as genes, carries the codes responsible for all our inherited characteristics. Genes are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Normally, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. In Down syndrome, however, the cells usually contain not 46, but 47 chromosomes; with the extra chromosome being a number 21. This excess genetic material, in the form of additional genes along the 21st chromosome, results in Down syndrome. Because 95 percent of all cases of Down syndrome occur because there are three copies of the 21st chromosome, it is referred to as "trisomy 21." Chromosomes may be studied by examining blood or tissue cells. Individual chromosomes are identified, stained and numbered from largest to smallest. The visual display of the chromosomes is known as a karyotype. SOURCE: ndss.org

"Share the Passion"
2007 Gala Exhibition
Click here to view invitation
You're invited!A celebration and gallery exhibition of photographs showcasing individuals with Down syndrome and local celebrities sharing the same passions.
Saturday, September 8, 20074:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.Kathy Womack Gallery411 Brazos, #100Austin, TX 78701Entertainment by "The Biscuit Brothers"Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres served You won’t want to miss the “Share the Passion” Photography Exhibit benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas. Photographer Jean Louis, captured some very special moments for the Share the Passion Project.The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas and Jean Louis Photography invite you to be our guest in launching the celebration of the 2008 "Share the Passion" Calendar! We hope to educate the public about the talents and abilities of all individuals with Down syndrome. Come join us for this grand celebration and view the beautiful photos on display. You can purchase your calendar at the event and even get your calendar autographed by some of DSACT’s own celebrities!For more information and to RSVP contact Teana Ross or Stefanie Martinez at 716-1561