First Lady Mary Pat Christie Lights the Way for Ds Cognition Research

Thank you New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie for championing the “Light the Way” program! Twenty-nine states and territories to date will be participating in Mrs. Christie’s campaign by showing support for Down syndrome cognition research on March 21, 2015, World Down Syndrome Day.

From Governor Christie’s office:

First Lady Mary Pat Christie Spearheads “Light the Way” Initiative with First Spouses from Across the Nation to Bring Greater Awareness of Down Syndrome Cognition Research

Drumthwacket to Illuminate in Blue on March 21st to Recognize World Down Syndrome Day

For Immediate Release                                                                Contact: Kevin Roberts
Friday, March 20, 2015                                                                 609-777-2600

Drumthwacket  “Lights the Way” in blue for World Down Syndrome Day.

Trenton, NJ – First Lady Mary Pat Christie is leading a national effort to bring attention to Down syndrome cognition research, a bio-medical initiative targeted at developing drug therapies aimed at improving memory, learning and communication for individuals with Down syndrome. Mrs. Christie is being joined by 28 other First Spouses from around the country who are participating in this year’s “Light the Way” program to help raise awareness in their home states.

Additionally, Governor Christie has proclaimed March 21 as Down Syndrome Day in New Jersey. Later that evening, Drumthwacket, the Governor’s official residence in Princeton, will be illuminated in blue to symbolize Mrs. Christie’s support of Down syndrome cognitive research.

“I am pleased to have so many First Spouses participate in this year’s Light the Way campaign and I sincerely thank them all for lending their support to an effort that not only expands awareness, but helps to empower adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey and across the nation,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie. “The vital research generated through foundations like Research Down Syndrome (RDS) and LuMind are spurring scientific advancements that are giving these individuals greater opportunities to live independent and fulfilling lives that emphasize community, work and self-reliance.”

To date, First Spouses from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming are participating in this year’s Light the Way initiative.  In Florida, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott declared March 16-20 Down Syndrome Awareness Week and on March 21,  the Florida Governor’s Mansion will be lit in blue.

March 21 is particularly meaningful to the Light the Way campaign because Down syndrome results from the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, affecting over 400,000 Americans. It occurs in approximately 1 in every 700 births.  Between 2006 and 2010, approximately 1.2 of every 1,000 babies was born with Down syndrome.

The Light the Way campaign will add support to the efforts of non-profit foundations Research Down Syndrome (RDS) and LuMind Foundation to educate and increase awareness and funding for Down syndrome cognition research. Research already funded by the foundations is  making encouraging progress in identifying potential treatments to lessen the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in persons with Down syndrome. Alzheimer’s disease is 3-5 times more likely to occur, at an earlier age of onset, in individuals with Down syndrome.

In the last few years, researchers have made significant progress toward understanding and treating the cognitive issues associated with Down syndrome. This initiative has led to several discoveries and supported the initiation of four clinical trials testing potential drug treatments. These studies now provide the promise of biomedical therapies for improving memory, learning and communication in individuals with Down syndrome, offering the potential for increased life opportunities.

For more information, please visit http://www.researchds.org or http://www.lumindfoundation.org.

 

 

 

Governor First Spouses Join with New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie to Support Advances in Biomedical Research to Treat Down Syndrome Cognitive Impairment

Cognition research funded by Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Foundation opens opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and may identify potential treatments to lessen the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in persons with Down syndrome as well as the greater Alzheimer’s community.

Marlborough, Massachusetts (PRWEB) March 12, 2015

Drumthwacket, New Jersey Governor’s residence, lit up in honor of Down syndrome cognition research on 3/21.

New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie and Governor First Spouses across the country are again joining together to bring attention to Down syndrome cognition research, a bio-medical initiative targeted at developing drug therapies aimed at improving memory, learning and communication for individuals with Down syndrome. The First Spouse “Light the Way” event will be observed on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), March 21, 2015. This date is particularly meaningful as Down syndrome results from the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. On the evening of that day, Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey will be illuminated in the color blue to symbolize First Lady Christie’s support of Down syndrome cognitive research.

To date, First Spouses from Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, and South Carolina have endorsed this event. We’ve been pleased by the great many states and territories that have participated in the past and hope to have even more in 2015. The goal of the Light the Way program is to expand awareness of Down syndrome cognitive research, including the efforts of the non-profit foundations Research Down Syndrome (RDS) and LuMind Foundation to fund this research. Mrs. Christie has stated, “I am inspired by initiatives which are designed to empower individuals in New Jersey and pleased that other First Spouses have joined this campaign to increase awareness about this research which brings a fresh approach to the complex issues related to the needs of those with intellectual disabilities.”

The Light the Way campaign will add support to RDS and LuMind efforts to educate and increase awareness and funding for Down syndrome cognition research. Research funded by the foundations is also making encouraging progress in identifying potential treatments to lessen the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in persons with Down syndrome. Alzheimer’s disease is 3-5 times more likely to occur, at an earlier age of onset, in individuals with Down syndrome.

In the last few years, researchers have made significant progress toward understanding and treating the cognitive issues associated with Down syndrome. This initiative has led to the discovery of multiple drug targets and supported the initiation of four clinical trials testing potential drug treatments. These studies now provide the promise of biomedical therapies for improving memory, learning and communication in individuals with Down syndrome, offering the potential for increased life opportunities.

In other WDSD recognitions, Research Down Syndrome and LuMind have joined in raising awareness of the promise of Down syndrome cognition research by organizing the World Down Syndrome Day 321 Virtual Run/Walk. On March 21, thousands will be joining in running or walking any distance recognizing 321, such as 3.21miles, 321 yards, 3.21 laps…and so on…all as a creative effort to promote the benefits of exercise on cognitive health and support Down syndrome cognition research. In addition, LuMind Foundation will be offering a 3:1 match for all donations received during the March 21, 2015 weekend.

About Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Foundation
Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Foundation are non-profit foundations that support and fund Down syndrome cognition research conducted at leading institutions that are studying the basis of the intellectual impairments associated with Down syndrome, including Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, Stanford University, The University of Arizona, and the University of California, San Diego. 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 and LuMind Foundation are legal corporate entities and 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations designated by the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, please visit http://www.researchds.org orhttp://www.lumindfoundation.org.

 

Governor First Spouses Join with New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie to Support Advances in Biomedical Research to Treat Down Syndrome Cognitive Impairment

Cognition research funded by Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Foundation opens opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and may identify potential treatments to lessen the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in persons with Down syndrome as well as the greater Alzheimer's community.

Marlborough, Massachusetts (PRWEB) March 12, 2015

Drumthwacket, New Jersey Governor’s residence, lit up in honor of Down syndrome cognition research on 3/21.

The Light the Way campaign will add support to RDS and LuMind efforts to educate and increase awareness and funding for Down syndrome cognition research. Research funded by the foundations is also making encouraging progress in identifying potential treatments to lessen the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in persons with Down syndrome. Alzheimer’s disease is 3-5 times more likely to occur, at an earlier age of onset, in individuals with Down syndrome.

In the last few years, researchers have made significant progress toward understanding and treating the cognitive issues associated with Down syndrome. This initiative has led to the discovery of multiple drug targets and supported the initiation of four clinical trials testing potential drug treatments. These studies now provide the promise of biomedical therapies for improving memory, learning and communication in individuals with Down syndrome, offering the potential for increased life opportunities.

In other WDSD recognitions, Research Down Syndrome and LuMind have joined in raising awareness of the promise of Down syndrome cognition research by organizing the World Down Syndrome Day 321 Virtual Run/Walk. On March 21, thousands will be joining in running or walking any distance recognizing 321, such as 3.21miles, 321 yards, 3.21 laps…and so on…all as a creative effort to promote the benefits of exercise on cognitive health and support Down syndrome cognition research. In addition, LuMind Foundation will be offering a 3:1 match for all donations received during the March 21, 2015 weekend.

About Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Foundation 
Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Foundation are non-profit foundations that support and fund Down syndrome cognition research conducted at leading institutions that are studying the basis of the intellectual impairments associated with Down syndrome, including Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, Stanford University, The University of Arizona, and the University of California, San Diego. 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 and LuMind Foundation are legal corporate entities and 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations designated by the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, please visit http://www.researchds.org orhttp://www.lumindfoundation.org.