Happy This Week — International Cri du Chat Week Edition

I know you know that Olivia has beautiful brown eyes, gorgeous and luxurious chocolate brown hair, freckles splayed across her cute button nose and a personality that never quits…but did you know Olivia has Cri du Chat Syndrome? You know what would make me really happy over the next week? If you would all help spread awareness of her syndrome.

Next week is International Cri du Chat Awareness week. Our goal during this week is to educate and inform about our children’s syndrome. We are small but mighty and trying to raise awareness of our syndrome.

Cri du Chat (kree-doo-sha) is also known as 5p- Syndrome. Olivia is missing part of her 5th chromosome…the p part! It just fell off during conception and here we are today! It’s called Cri du Chat because of the cry that most of the children have when they are born that sounds like a kitten. We were lucky to find out when Olivia was just 4 days old through a blood test. I say we were lucky because we were able to start her in early intervention right away. Some families don’t find out about their child’s diagnosis for a long time.

Olivia’s syndrome is rare; it is estimated that only 50-60 kids are born with Cri du Chat syndrome each year in the U.S. There is definitely a spectrum of effects and abilities. However, most of our children are nonverbal, have mental retardation, low muscle tone and similar facial features. You know what is really cool? They all LOVE the water and are very sweet and loving.

If you wouldn’t mind taking a few minutes to learn a little more about Olivia’s syndrome, visit here. Olivia is sending you a thank you hug right now! You know what would be even better? Tell a friend about it too. Spread the awareness and the love. We are asking our supporters to wear one long and one short striped sock on Monday, May 5th (or any day next week if you can’t on Monday) and take a picture to share with us. You can share with me via email (ttownsend@bex.net), on Facebook (Tiffany Townsend) or on Twitter and Instagram @elastamom417.

Thank you!!!