Virginia Governor's Mansion to "Go Blue" in Support of Down Syndrome Cognitive Research
– Virginia Joins Ten other Mansions and First Families in Supporting Effort –
Part of National "Light the Way" Event to Support Advances in Biomedical Research to Treat Down Syndrome Cognitive Impairment
RICHMOND – On Wednesday, March 21, as a part of the Light the Way campaign, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell, along with representatives of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, will be displaying blue at Virginia's Executive Mansion to promote Down syndrome cognitive research. The McDonnell's are joining New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie and nine other states in this campaign. As part of the effort, the Governor and First Lady's staff will also have a casual "dress-down and go blue" day to show their support and collect donations for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond. Affecting over 400,000 individuals in the United States, Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in the world.
Speaking about the "Light the Way" observance, First Lady Maureen McDonnell remarked, "Over the years Bob and I have gotten to know so many wonderful Virginians who have Down syndrome. They, and their remarkable families, are inspirations to us all. That is why it is an honor to 'turn Virginia's Executive Mansion blue' in recognition of the bravery of all Virginians who have Down's, and the families and friends who are there for them every single day. I was thrilled when New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie brought this idea to us, and we are so pleased to join in her effort to promote Down syndrome cognitive research."
As a result of non-profit groups, such as Research Down Syndrome in New Jersey, groundbreaking advances have been made which hold the near term promise to increase life opportunities for those with Down syndrome. A rapidly advancing area of research holds great promise for improving memory, learning, and communication for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. Research is also providing critical new insights regarding Alzheimer's disease and its potential treatments.
The McDonnell's and Virginia's Executive Mansion will join Alabama, Georgia, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin in this effort which brings a fresh approach to the long-standing, complex issues related to the needs of those with intellectual disabilities.
About Research Down Syndrome
Research Down Syndrome is a non-profit foundation that supports and funds Down syndrome
cognitive research conducted at leading institutions that are studying the basis of the intellectual
impairments associated with Down syndrome, including Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, The University of Arizona, University of California, San Diego, and University of Colorado. Recent scientific advances have revolutionized this field of research, providing for the near term development of targeted medical therapies to treat the cognitive challenges associated with Down syndrome, improving memory, learning and communication, expanding and enhancing life opportunities, for people of all ages with down syndrome. Research Down Syndrome is a legal corporate entity, and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization designated by the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, please visit www.researchds.org or contact RDS at info@researchds.org or (877) 863-2121.
About the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing access to current and accurate information on Down syndrome and by fostering programs that focus on education, community services, public awareness, medical issues, research, advocacy, legal issues and parenting. For more information on the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, log onto http://www.dsagr.com/home or call (804) 796-5141.
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