Down Syndrome Awareness Kickball Tournament

Raising Awareness for Down Syndrome with The Heritage Hustlers

Are you ready for some kickball? Heritage Construction is ready to take the trophy while helping to raise money for Down syndrome awareness.

The 8th Annual Upside Of Down Charity Kickball Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6th at Krieg Fields in Austin. Come out and cheer on the Heritage Construction team as we take our passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship to the field to benefit and celebrate the individuals living with this condition.

Kicking the Myths About Down Syndrome

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome. Do you know the facts from fiction?

What Causes Down Syndrome?

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.

The cells usually contain not 46, but 47 chromosomes; with the extra chromosome being 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 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

How Can You Help?

Individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than before thanks to new medical technology and research. You can make a difference in the lives of those that have the condition by visiting NADS or NDSS to learn more.

You can donate to this worthy cause by visiting Upside of Down here.