October is National Down Syndrome month. If you have someone in your life with Down Syndrome, then you know the joy they bring to the world around them and the need for funding to further understand how to support their needs and abilities.

For Rosemary and Palmer Bailey, the happiness these individuals bring to those around them is a daily blessing.

Their son Chappy was born with Down Syndrome.

“Palmer and I feel that awareness to us means spreading information about Down Syndrome and allowing people to understand the capabilities and talents individuals with Down Syndrome possess,” said Rosemary Bailey.

The Baileys refer to Chappy as “our Happy Chappy,” but his happiness and amazing smile bring joy to others too.

He is Happy Chappy to every one.

“When Chappy was born; we were surprised to learn of his diagnosis and concerned about the challenges that we knew he would be facing,” Bailey said.

“Our Happy Chappy amazes us everyday. His determination, courage, and love are infectious; and his smile can melt anyone’s heart.

Even though raising a child with Down Syndrome was not in the plans we had dreamed for our family, when we met our Chappy, we knew we were blessed and that God is in control and created Chappy just the way he should be and trusted him to us and we are so very grateful,” she said.

In October, Down Syndrome Societies across the nation will hold Buddy Walks to raise money and awareness for individuals with Down Syndrome.

“To kick off the awareness month, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) holds a big Buddy Walk in New York City. This year’s New York walk is Saturday, September 22.

Also, the NDSS creates a video that is displayed on the big Sony screen in Times Square to highlight individuals with Down Syndrome and promote awareness.

The NDSS asked for people to submit a photo of a person with Down Syndrome and out of the thousands that were submitted, Chappy was chosen as one of the people to be in the video,” Bailey said.

“We are proud parents and wanted to spread the word,” Bailey added.

Bailey said that they wanted to include Palmer’s hometown in spreading the news. Chappy’s grandparents are Mrs. Stella Bailey and the late Bill Bailey.

“Palmer’s father passed away in April. Chappy adored his Papa Bill, and his Papa Bill loved bragging about his grandson,” she said.

“Everyday is so exciting watching Chappy grow and reach his developmental goals,” Bailey said. “We are thrilled that his picture was selected by the NDSS to be a part of the Down Syndrome Awareness video in Times Square, and we are looking forward to our visit to New York City to participate in the Buddy Walk.

We will also be walking locally in Macon on October 20th to support our Middle GA Down Syndrome Society and to celebrate Chappy and all people with Down Syndrome,” she said.

“The Down Syndrome community has been amazing as we have sought information, inclusion, and support with our new journey.”

“In a nut shell, we are blessed with an amazing and loving child and thank God everyday for trusting us with Chappy.

We know an exciting and fullfilling future is ahead of us, and the reason is our Happy Chappy,” she said.

For more information on Down Syndrome awareness or to view the upcoming video go to www.ndss.org.