Read how Mar Galceran, suffering from Down Syndrome, became a parliamentarian. – Here is the success story of Mar Galceran, suffering from Down Syndrome.

No physical disability can stop you from moving forward. Spain’s newly elected parliamentarian Mar Galceran has proved this. Mar suffers from Down syndrome (Spain’s first parliamentarian with Down syndrome) and has been working for people like her for years. Mar wants to be seen on the basis of her merit, not because of her disability. Let’s know about the indomitable courageous Mar Galceran and Down Syndrome.

Down syndrome is a disorder that affects the physical and mental development of a person. A girl suffering from this Down syndrome has made her name in politics by becoming a Spanish MP. 45-year-old Mar Galceran has reached the Spanish Parliament with Down syndrome. She is the first such MP in Spain.

Know who is Mar Galceran (Who is Mar Galceran)

Mar Galceran’s journey into politics began at the young age of 13 when she did an internship with the President of the Generalitat Valenciana. Later, she worked for 4 years at Asindown, the Down Syndrome Association of Valencia, showing an interest in advocacy.

With more than three decades of political experience, Galceran, a member of the People’s Party, has begun her political rise. Placed 20th on the party’s list for the 2023 Valencian regional election, she will join the Corts Valencianas on September 14, 2023.

Galseren joined the People’s Party (PP) at the age of 18. Influenced by the party’s ideology, Galseren dedicated herself to civil service. In an interview with The Guardian, she said, “I want people to see me as a human being and not just because of my illness.”

Despite her achievements, Galseran acknowledges the challenges that remain. She sees her election win as a sign that society is recognising the contributions of individuals with Down syndrome but stresses that there is still a long way to go.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Normally, each cell in our bodies has 23 pairs of chromosomes. When a person has Down syndrome, they have an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in 47 chromosomes instead of the normal 46. People with Down syndrome usually have mild to moderate IQs, which can cause them to be slower to speak than other children.

What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?

Each person with Down syndrome is different. Intellectual and developmental problems can be mild, moderate or severe. There are some symptoms that everyone with Down syndrome may have.

1. Flat face, especially the lower part of the nose.
2. They have almond shaped eyes which are slightly set upwards.
3. Short neck and small ears.
4. The size of hands and feet is also smaller.
5. The tongue often touches the lips or remains out of the mouth.
6. There may be small white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye.
7. A line on the palm of the hand.
8. Little fingers that sometimes turn toward the thumb.
9. Poor muscle tone or loose joints.
10. Being short in stature as children and adults.

Can Down syndrome be prevented?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, and cannot be prevented. Down syndrome is primarily caused by genetic factors. It is not caused by lifestyle, diet or environmental factors. It is not a disease, but there are some tests that can be done to detect it.

Here are the tests that can be done during pregnancy to identify Down syndrome in a child

1 First trimester combined screening

This involves a blood test to measure certain hormones and an ultrasound (nuchal translucency test) to assess the thickness of the back of the baby’s neck. These results, along with the increasing months of pregnancy, are used to estimate the risk of Down syndrome.

2 Cell-free DNA test

This blood test analyzes fetal DNA in the mother’s blood to check for chromosome abnormalities, including Down syndrome. It is highly accurate, but is usually reserved for women at high risk due to factors such as older maternal age.

3 Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

These tests are done to detect Down syndrome. Which can tell about Down syndrome with certainty. This test is done only on the orders of the doctor, because this test can be more risky.

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