About Us

The mission of DSANB is to promote self-advocacy, raise awareness, further educational pursuits, and support inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the North Bay of California. Down Syndrome Association North Bay is a { 501(c)(3)} non-profit organization. DSANB families share a common bond…our children, stories, and experiences. We are parents, grandparents, or family members of a child with Down syndrome. We are here to greet new families as babies are born; acting as friends who lend help and offer insight by sharing stories, social gatherings, educational pursuits, and support.

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Our Board

Diane Hobaugh
Board President
Jennifer Richardson
Vice President
John Busick
Treasurer
Bob Kunst Painting, Inc.
Maria Geary
Secretary
Redwood Credit Union
Clay Mauritson
Board of Director
Mauritson Wines

Down Syndrome Facts

  • Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
  • There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.
  • Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.
  • There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
  • Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
  • The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
  • People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
  • A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
  • Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
  • People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
  • All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
  • Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Sources: National Down Syndrome Society, NDSS

Please Donate

Your contribution will allow us to continue to support new and expectant parents; expand parent support group activities; sponsor parent trainings; facilitate skill building opportunities; provide medical outreach and advocacy information to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

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