A fine article titled "Myths of Down Syndrome" written by Leslie Sowers was published in the Dec. 7, 1997 Lifestyle section of the Houston Chronicle. (http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/features/97/12/07/down.html) This article involved an interview with the family of Mikie Gerisi, one of the children featured in the 1998 calendar published by the Down Syndrome Association of Houston. It was a well-written and positive article. However, the subhead for this article that refered to "the positive side of people afflicted with disorder" induced me to write a rebuke to the headline writer. A slightly edited version of my comments to the editor and writer follow.

"My dictionary defines afflict as "to inflict grievious physical or mental suffering on". It is clear from the article that Mikie is not grieviously suffering; I know my daughter of 11 does not ‘suffer’ from the fact that she has an extra chromosome. Down Syndrome is not something that has been inflicted upon them; it is who they are; it is a part of their genetic makeup. To be sure, some children with Down Syndrome may have medical problems that result in pain or suffering, but unfortunately, so do some children without an extra 21st chromosome. The article clearly states that Mikie is loved and is loving, and enjoys life. Undoubtedly, life without an extra chromosome is easier, but neither I nor my daughter want people approaching her with an "Oh, you poor child attitude". We don’t want pity; we don’t need a telethon; we want the opportunity for our children to be accepted as contributing members of society, with their own unique contributions to make.

I suggested that the headline writer use a more positive approach next time; use "the positive side of people with this condition". Just do not inflict us with afflicted."

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