Ted Kremer's Down Syndrome

Thirty years ago, Cheryl and Dave Kremer were blessed with a son, Ted. Ted was born with Down syndrome, and sadly, the doctors explained to his parents that he would not have a normal life. They said that Ted may never walk or talk. Cheryl and Dave were adamant to prove that theory wrong, so they took him home and raised him to be a strong, individualistic, respectful and smart young man. Through an insane turn of events, he captured the hearts of Cincinnati Reds fans and continues to motivate almost everyone who has the pleasure of meeting him. This is the story of one family, but Down syndrome is part of many people’s lives. Down syndrome affects many families today; from when it is diagnosed, to when the traits begin to show, it will be

This means that cells did not split how they do in a normally developing child. The story above, from the article "Ted Kremer” by the Down Syndrome Association, is one example of the many stories that families have to tell about their experiences with Down syndrome. In order to understand a story like this, one must understand what Down syndrome is. "Down Syndrome" written by Mayo Clinic says “Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21.” The article “What is Down Syndrome” by the National Down Syndrome Society puts this in a simpler form by saying of someone with Down syndrome, that the individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This disorder causes a child to not be able to think and process information the way a child without the syndrome

A procedure called percutaneous could be done. This is the most accurate method, but would be performed later, during weeks 18-22 of the pregnancy ("How Do Health Care”). A sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord would be taken, and the blood would be tested for the extra chromosome. Chromosomal testing of maternal blood could also be performed. This process would test the mother’s blood for the extra chromosome because the mother’s blood carries DNA from the baby which could show extra chromosome 21 material. There is also a practice called in vitro fertilization. This practice involves testing a fertilized egg for chromosomal imbalances or other genetic conditions before the egg is planted into the uterus. If one would want this process done, it is recommended that one should have genetic counseling before this procedure is performed, and have close monitoring and testing done during the pregnancy (“How Do Health Care”). One could have a diagnostic test done because it can interpret if a fetus has Down’s or not better than a screening test. Down syndrome does not always get diagnosed during the pregnancy, but sometimes after the birth of the