Fox News contributor Tom Shillue speaks to the dad of a child with Down syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day
On World Down Syndrome Day, Fox News' Tom Shillue speaks to Daniel Schreck, nonprofit leader
Schreck, chairman of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation and father of a daughter with Down syndrome, says people with the condition are 'the happiest in the world'
Each year on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) marks a global day of awareness and education about the genetic condition.
The goal is to "help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better," according to the initiative's website. WDSD has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
On Friday, Fox News contributor Tom Shillue headed to Times Square in New York City to speak with New Yorkers about their awareness of WDSD. (See the video at the top of this article.)
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Shillue spoke with Daniel Schreck, chairman of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, a global nonprofit focused on research and advocacy for people with genetic intellectual disabilities.
Daniel Schreck, chairman of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation and father of a daughter with Down syndrome, spoke with Fox News contributor Tom Shillue on World Down Syndrome Day. (Fox News)
Schreck also has a daughter with Down syndrome.
When asked about common fears or misunderstandings about the condition, Schreck spoke of the perceived limitations.
"I think the most important thing is that if you have Down syndrome, just like any other disability, you can live an abundant life and there's nothing to be afraid of," he said.
"Plus, people with Down's syndrome are the happiest people you've ever met. So there's nothing to be afraid of."
Daniel Schreck's daughter, Rose, has Down syndrome. "people with Down's syndrome are the happiest people you've ever met. So there's nothing to be afraid of," Schreck told Fox News' Tom Shillue. (Daniel Schreck)
The date of WDSD, the 21st day of the third month, was chosen to commemorate the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which is the cause of Down syndrome.
Schreck joked that the extra chromosome "makes you happier."
The date of WDSD, the 21st day of the third month, was chosen to commemorate the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which is the cause of Down syndrome. (iStock)
His son, Danny, also joined the conversation to speak about his sister, Rose.
"She's really fun to be around. It's kind of weird to see everyone else compared to her, where she's just so happy and everyone else is just walking around with their head down."
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Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition.
Each year, about 5,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the U.S., or one in every 775, according to the National Down Syndrome Society.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to
