Boy With Down Syndrome Honored, Awareness Month Named In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — The Stafford Township Council honored resident Jacob White and his parents with a proclamation naming October "Down Syndrome Awareness Month" in the township.

Mayor Greg Myhre read the proclamation at a recent Council meeting, sharing facts and information about Down syndrome.

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a condition where a person has an extra chromosome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It occurs in about 1 in 600 babies, according to the CDC.

"Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels and is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality," Myhre said.

The proclamation also called for better understanding of the condition.

"The inherent dignity and worth of people with Down syndrome, the valuable contributions of people with Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within their communities, and the importance of the individual freedom and independence of people with Down syndrome should be recognized," officials said on social media.

White proudly took several bows as he was presented with the proclamation.

His father thanked Myhre and the Council for the proclamation.

"We ask that our loved ones be treated with kindness, patience and dignity and respect," he said. "We ask that you see each person first, diagnosis second. And we ask that they be accepted and included without hesitation."