Governor, First Lady "Light the Way" for World Down Syndrome Day | Eastern North Carolina Now

    News Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory and First Lady Ann McCrory will light the Executive Mansion and Western Residence in blue tomorrow after sunset to observe World Down Syndrome Day. The residences will be illuminated until midnight.

    "We are honored to light up the Executive Mansion and Western Residence in blue to join with New Jersey's First Lady Mary Pat Christie's Light the Way Campaign for a third year," First Lady Ann McCrory said. "Bringing awareness to Down syndrome cognitive research in Raleigh, Asheville and across North Carolina supports and empowers so many children, adults and families."

    World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated March 21st, is an internationally recognized day chosen for the third copy of the 21st chromosome (3-21) that defines the genetic condition. Last March, the governor hosted members of the Triangle Down Syndrome Network and Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network, two regional family support and advocacy groups, at the mansion to commemorate the day.

    "It was a pleasure to host this event at the mansion last year to honor this important day, and to see the love and joy of so many North Carolina families," Governor McCrory said. "Ann and I want to thank all who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those with Down syndrome through care and research."

    First Lady Mary Pat Christie of New Jersey leads the annual "Light the Way" governors' mansions lightings. First spouses from throughout the country have supported the annual event to raise awareness of Down syndrome. Mrs. McCrory first participated in the event in 2013.

    Down syndrome cognitive research is rapidly advancing and holds great promise for improving memory, learning and communication for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. The goal of the Light the Way program is to expand awareness of Down syndrome cognitive research, including the efforts of the non-profit foundation RDS to fund this research.

    For more information, visit www.researchds.org or contact RDS at info@researchds.org


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov