Hi everyone! We celebrate “World Down Syndrome Day” on 3/21 every year because the scientific name for Down Syndrome is Trisomy 21, hence the date 3/21. Photo: Darlene Rodrigo
Hi everyone! We celebrate “World Down Syndrome Day” on 3/21 every year because the scientific name for Down Syndrome is Trisomy 21, hence the date 3/21. Trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder that happens when there is an extra chromosome present in the 21st pair. Hence, the scientific name Trisomy 21 (Tri = 3 of the 21st pair).
My name is Darlene Rodrigo aka @SocialQueenDarlene and I'm Bella's mom. My daughter Bella is 14-years old. She is my first born and ever since I became her mama, I became her lifelong advocate. I promised her the minute I held her for the first time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) that I'd do ANYTHING for her to get through this tough life, alive & safe for as long as I can.
Fast forward to many doctors appointments, specialists and hospital stays, I was able to network with other families and write about our special needs life in a blog I titled, "A Little Xtra 21." Years later, this interest in blogging and networking led me to attend a Radio Broadcasting program at my local community college. I was able to attain an internship a couple years after starting and eventually landed one at KOST 103.5 FM!
I've been blessed to work for LA's radio queen, Ellen K. She would be embarrassed (and will be once she reads this) but that's what she is to me and so many other females in the industry. Ellen gave me the nickname, "Social Queen Darlene" on the Ellen K Morning Show and I loved it so much I changed all of my usernames to it. My radio family has always been so supportive and encouraging when it comes to my family life. So, it's my goal to pay it forward and help other families however I can.
From the moment Bella was born, she has taught me so much about Down syndrome and living life with special needs. Through the past 14 years, Bella's gone through a lot for a kid her age. She's shown us an entirely new perspective to our own lives and others living a life like hers. My hope as her mother has always been to do all that I can to shine a light on what Down Syndrome is and show others that she is a silly girl with a humongous heart that wants to be like you and I, included & supported. I hope that if you've ever encountered a story I shared about Bella on the radio these past few years, that they've given you a better understanding of what she goes through and possibly even make you feel a little grateful and proud.
So, even if for a minute or the whole day, ROCK YOUR SOCKS proudly and know we appreciate your support on any day.
Read Bella's birth story here on the LOVE WHAT MATTERS blog: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/he-grabbed-the-doctor-by-his-white-coat-what-did-you-say-he-looked-unsettled-mom-births-baby-with-down-syndrome-autism-bumpy-roads-can-be-fun-too/
Listen to this podcast of Mamas & Mimosas to hear Darlene's in depth story as a special needs mother: