When it comes to medical care, individuals in the U.S. with Down syndrome battle a troubling reality: the average medical professional is not trained to deal with their unique needs. Doctors often have limited hands-on experience with Down syndrome and are unable to devote the time required for comprehensive consultations. Individuals with Down syndrome may also present signs and symptoms differently.
Because of this, miscommunication and misdiagnosis are all too common. Patients may be misunderstood, marginalized, and even mistreated. Family members are often left with the responsibility of educating their medical professionals on how best to help their loved one with Down syndrome.
Additionally, the average medical costs for children with Down syndrome are twelve times higher than those without. They are at an increased risk of health problems such as heart defects, hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, ear infections, eye diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
The Jerome Lejeune Legacy Fund solves this problem by providing unparalleled medical care, tailored exclusively for people with Down syndrome and their families. The fund will support the first holistic medical center for children and adults with Down syndrome in the United States, modeled after the Jerome Lejeune Institute in France. Patients will receive personalized care for their specific needs, resulting in confidence for them and their families.
The medical center will be located in Northern Virginia, within 20 miles of our nation’s capital. It is on track to open in 2020, or as soon as $600,000 in initial funding is raised. We need your help to make the dream a reality –please support the Jerome Lejeune Legacy Fund!
Learn more about the Jerome Lejeune Legacy Fund
