Meet Landen!
💙 Celebrating Landen: A Story of Love, Joy, and Down Syndrome Awareness
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the incredible individuals who remind us every day that kindness, inclusion, and love are what truly matter. This month, we’re honored to highlight Landen, a joyful 7-year-old boy who radiates warmth and reminds everyone around him that Down Syndrome is just a diagnosis, not a definition.
🌟 Landen’s Story
At 22 weeks pregnant, Landen’s mom received life-changing news — her son would be born with Down syndrome. Doctors warned that he might have serious medical complications and even suggested ending the pregnancy. But she chose love and faith over fear.
When Landen was born, doctors discovered a small hole in his heart, which closed on its own by age two. Today, he has no other medical issues and lives life to the fullest. He attends a general education classroom with an aide and visits a special needs class for extra support. Landen receives speech, occupational, and physical therapy through his school — but above all, he’s fully included and loved by his peers. He goes to birthday parties, plays in after-school sports, and fills every hallway with hugs and smiles.
Landen’s mom describes him best: “He is one that wants to give everyone a hug when he walks by you. He will put a smile on your face and change your attitude and your day if you are not having a good one.”
🗣 A Conversation With Landen’s Mom
We asked Landen’s mom to share more about her experience raising such a loving, happy, and determined little boy.
1. What’s something special about your child’s personality that you wish everyone could see beyond the diagnosis?
His kindness and love I would say are some special things about Landen, that he loves to share with anyone. You don’t have to be a family member or friend he loves to hug everyone. He walks down the hallways at school and gives all the kids and teachers hugs also.
2. What has been the most rewarding part of raising a child with Down syndrome?
Knowing I was chosen as the lucky mom to have such an amazing son. He is such a caring, lovable little boy. He has taught me so much in the past 8 years. He has taught me a lot about kindness and that he is just like any other child in this world. He just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is.
3. What’s one thing you wish schools, friends, or the community better understood about Down syndrome?
Though we have not had the experience of anyone not excepting Landen for who he is. I think everyone needs to understand that children and adults with Down Syndrome want to be treated as equals and want to be loved. I am Landens voice to help him get what is needed for a good education and his therapies. They want to be included in everything they may not learn at the same pace and they may be delayed in things but they want to learn and want to be accepted for who they are not for the label they have been given.
For more about inclusion and advocacy, visit the National Down Syndrome Congress – Inclusive Education Resources.
4. How has your child changed the way you view life, patience, or joy?
I have learned to take everything in strides to enjoy things at a slower pace. I have also learned about having patience. Being a parent of a child with Down Syndrome has been a joy and I wouldn’t change anything about Landen.
5. Many families use Sharewear bracelets for added peace of mind in busy places. How do you approach safety and independence when you’re out and about with your child?
Landen is what you call an eloper. So he doesn’t understand danger. So I always have to keep my eye on him and pay attention. So when we are out in public at a store I usually have to put him in a cart. If we are out walking at parks going on adventures I will hold his hand. I’ve had to have extra help if I go to a place were there is going to be a lot of people because Landen can not tell you his phone number or address or any other important information that someone might need if he was to get away from me or family.
Many families, including Landen’s, find Sharewear safety bracelets helpful for moments like these. These waterproof, battery-free bracelets securely store a child’s important information — like parent contact details and medical needs — making it easy for first responders or good Samaritans to help quickly if a child gets separated.
💛 Why Awareness Matters
Down Syndrome Awareness Month is about more than recognition — it’s about celebrating inclusion, acceptance, and ability. Every person with Down syndrome deserves the same opportunities for learning, friendship, and independence.
Organizations such as the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) are leading the way in advocacy, education, and community empowerment.
Landen’s story reminds us that Down syndrome doesn’t define him — his heart, kindness, and smile do.
🌈 A Final Word
Landen is a beautiful example of what it means to live with love, joy, and purpose. His journey is filled with lessons of patience, inclusion, and compassion that inspire everyone around him.
This October, and every month, let’s celebrate individuals with Down syndrome for who they are — bright, capable, and full of potential.
To learn more about Down Syndrome Awareness Month and how you can get involved, visit:
