Trisomy 21, better known to most people as Down's Syndrome, is caused by an additional copy of the 21st chromosome. This causes there to be three chromosomes instead of the two that typically form the pair. Although the 21st chromosome pair is the smallest of the 23 pairs we have, it still contains 48 million nucleotides making up about 1.5 % of the DNA found in our cells. From a science perspective, Down's Syndrome causes many health concerns, including; hearing and sight issues, digestive problems, learning disabilities and heart defects.

October is Down's Syndrome Awareness Month, and while science has lists that go on and on and on about complications that accompany Down's, I refuse to see it as a disability.

Maybe they have heart complications on a mechanical level, but on the inside, they are pure as gold. Throughout my short 21 years, I have been blessed to cross the paths of many individuals impacted by Down's. Each has left a very memorable handprint on my heart.

I once volunteered at a camp for special needs individuals and was paired with Jason, a 40-year-old with Down's syndrome. We had a ball at camp, we played basketball, did archery and made way to many smores. Then out of the blue one night, Jason said, "Sometimes people say things and I get sad." The way he said it made my heart hurt, but then he turned it around and said, "But then I remember I'm awesome." He said that it such a way I had to laugh. The topic changed after that but I realized I couldn't agree with him more.

If you have ever met an individual with Down's you realize that the extra chromosome does not impair them. The extra chromosome gives them an extra something special. It gives them this huge heart. It gives them one of the biggest smiles, a smile that no matter how terrible your day has been when you see it your day gets better. It gives them a passion, in everything they do. Overall it makes them awesome.

Sure, some days are harder than others, but they always make it worth it. When they get tired or frustrated, they can turn it around by giving an awesome hug. They have this awesome outgoing personality, they know no stranger and accept everyone as their friend. Down's individuals are so encouraging to their friends and can always be counted on for a kind word. They never pass up an opportunity to show off how awesome they are. I could go on and on all day about how amazing these individuals are. In the end, the basic truth is that the number of chromosome you have doesn't limit you. The only disability in life is a bad attitude.