Kevin Pearce - Snowboarder - Brother

Kevin Pearce was recently profiled by Tom Brokaw on NBC's coverage of the Vancouver Olympics. Click HERE to see the video.

I had never heard of Kevin Pearce or his family, but what an amazing story on so many levels.

Kevin is a snowboarder and was to be a contender for a medal but just months before the Olympics began he suffered a traumatic brain injury (for more information on TBI, click HERE) while practicing a trick. Luckily he was wearing a helmet, otherwise he would have likely died on impact. Instead he is on a journey of recovery.

Kevin has a very supportive family - parents Pia and Simon and 3 older brothers including David who has Down Syndrome.

The video shows some time spent with Kevin and David. The brotherly bond is definitely there. Kevin was assisting David on a skate board and included him in an interview where David expressed his hopes for his brother to do well in the Olympics.

Here is what struck me...Kevin's mom Pia said that she was much more prepared for handling Kevin's recovery because of her experience with David. She said that she learned how to be more patient. Kevin is improving, but still cannot walk and his speech, vision and coordination are all affected. It took David three years to learn how to buckle his seat belt...but he did it and so will Kevin!

Apparently Kevin already has his sense of humor back. While wrapping up this story, Tom related that Kevin's brother told him that NBC was coming to interview the family and Kevin's response was "why aren't they coming to interview me?"! He said it with a smile.

We wish Kevin all the best in his recovery.

This is a very touching story, make sure to watch the video.

To join Kevin's Facebook Page, set up by his family, click HERE.

We would be interested to know how having a child with special needs affects other areas in your life in a positive way. Share your story in the comments section!

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FRIDAY FACTS!

Happy Friday! Today marks the start of the new Friday Facts here on the www.knowledgesafari.com blog.

Every Friday we will be choosing one special need about which we will post some facts. If you or your child have this particular special need and would like to add to the list of facts, please do so in the comments section! Or, if you would like to suggest a topic for the next Facts Friday, please let us know!

Of course, facts and figures do not define a person or their future. We are listing these facts as a means of educating those unfamiliar with Down syndrome. So many conditions fall under the umbrella of special needs; education is the first step to understanding.


This week we have chosen Down syndrome - information provided by the National Down Syndrom Society.

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

• Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

Preferred Language Guide

Below is the proper use of language for “Down syndrome”:

• Down vs. Down’s - NDSS uses the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than Down’s syndrome. While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the United States is Down syndrome. This is because an “apostrophe s” connotes ownership or possession. Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it. The AP Stylebook recommends using “Down syndrome,” as well.

• People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”

• Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.

• People “have” Down syndrome, they do not “suffer from” it and are not “afflicted by” it.