Family shares journey on World Down Syndrome Day - WSIL-TV 3 Southern Illinois

CARBONDALE -- March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, a day to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.

The 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.

Like many other kids in Carbondale, 9-year-old Molly Bishop goes to school, enjoys playing outside and loves food.

"She loves hummus and her favorite restaurant is Pita Alley," said Laura Bishop, Molly's mom.

Molly is the youngest of three sisters and requires 24-7 care.

"Molly was four days old when we found out she had Down syndrome, so even though chronologically she's nine, right now she's about three," Laura said.

Laura said Molly just has a "little something extra."

"So you have three copies of the 21st chromosome, so when we say a little something extra, we mean that extra chromosome," Laura said.

The family found out Molly was deaf when she was three months old. Like any other family, there are good days and there are bad ones.

"I have this love hate relationship with Down syndrome, I love my daughter with all my being, I've given up everything for her," Laura said.

But some days, she's just not the biggest fan of the disability and the challenges it brings into her daughter's life.

"Extra medical issues, extra learning issues, but it's all doable," Laura said.

The Bishop family is grateful for the community and support workers like SIUC Senior Michelle Norman, who's fluent in sign language.

Whether it's World Down Syndrome Day or any other day of the year, this family celebrates Molly year round.

"They are blessings," Laura said. "She wakes up in the morning, it's a great new day, and she's just so excited."

And each day, Molly leaves her mark in the community.