Out and About

Syndrome of Love

On November 26, a calendar with photographs by Vladimir Mishukov was presented by the charity project initiated by the Downside Up Charity Fund to support the care for Downs Syndrome children. The calendar edition was supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Moscow, the Moscow City Government, Baker & McKenzie, Courtyard by Marriott Moscow City Center, Veles Capital Company, Johnson & Johnson, and others. The calendar features famous people from the arts and television in Russia, together with children of the Syndrome of Love, as they sometimes call DS children. DS, or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of developmental disabilities and mental retardation. It is caused by an embryo with extra genetic material from chromosome 21. But the aim of this project is to prove that the children who have this condition can enjoy life and be happy. During the presentation, the photographer Vladimir Mishukov, the participants of the photo session, the children and their parents all shared their impressions about the project and answered questions from journalists. The Downside Up Charity Fund is planning to develop this project further and spread the word about the Love Syndrome.