Each year, about 6,000 children with Down Syndrome are born in the USA. This means that, roughly, 1 in 700 babies are born with it.
Although scientists know what causes this syndrome, which is practically an extra chromosome, they have not been able to explain what leads to this anomaly. They have found, however, that one risk factor can be the mother’s age: the older she is, the more probable it is to carry a baby affected by this syndrome.
While people with Down Syndrome have some physical characteristics that make them stand out in the crowd, they are not to be considered inferior by any means.
However, some children with Down Syndrome are still excluded from groups of peers, from some school activities, some are not even invited to parties during their school years.
As sad as that sounds, it is the truth and it has led many different organizations around the world to try to raise awareness in local communities by celebrating Down Syndrome.
But, just like there are numerous kids with this syndrome that get bullied, there are as many others who enjoy their peers’ love and support.
There are numerous YouTube videos about “promposals” to teens with Down Syndrome, there are adults who talk about their special friends, and even celebrities, like Jennifer Lawrence, who celebrate those people by having them in their lives and always being there for them.
One of the lucky kids is Cody Thompson, a senior in 2015, who won Castle Homecoming with his best friend, Emily Bacon.
Cody and Emily are best friends and they attended the Homecoming events of their school together. They participated in all the activities together, and, had fun. Still, they had no idea they were in for the biggest surprise.
When it was time for the Homecoming King and Queen to be announced, Emily and Cody were standing next to other students, all waiting for the winners’ names to be called.
“Homecoming King and Queen are Cody Thompson and Emily Bacon!”
When Cody heard his name his whole face lit up and he turned to his best friend, who was also surprised by what she had just heard.
As Bacon confessed later on during an interview, she hadn’t seen that coming. However, she was positive “Thompson would definitely take home the crown.”
On the contrary, Cody did believe in himself and his partner, and he told reporters that he had a feeling he and Emily would be voted by their classmates.
The newly-crowned king and queen were more than happy with this turn of events, but so were teachers and school staff.
Assistant Principal of Castle High School, Richard Lance, said it came as a surprise that the two won. As he explained, he was rooting for every single student, but Cody winning was “extra special”.
“It was just a warm feeling,” he told reporters, “because we know that out kids care about everybody in the building.”
Cody and Emily said it was a special moment for them, and a fun experience. It was definitely a night they will remember forever.
Head over to the video below and watch the two best friends celebrating their unique friendship in the most special way, regardless of Cody’s “difference” from other kids.
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