#97 of 365~22Q

This is my cousin Andrew.  

Andrew is 6 years old, a BIG brother, all  boy, and has a yellow belt in Ti Kwon Do.  He is Nick's self-proclaimed little "buddy" and while there is quite the age difference between us-25 years-we don't mind. He is super lovable, but he doesn't like the mushy stuff.  His smile is contagious and I know he would have gotten along famously with our Grandpa Bush.  (I'm pretty sure his humor was passed on to Andrew)  While Andrew seems shy and sometimes uneasy about the world around him, I sometimes like to think that he is just a cautious soul waiting and watching and wondering what he should invest his time and talents in.  Oh yea, my cousin Andrew also has 22Q Deletion Syndrome.

Worldwide 22Q at the Zoo Day, Andrew with his family

What is 22Q deletion Syndrome you ask?  "The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by a missing section (microdeletion) of chromosome 22 which is present from the time a child is conceived. Present in 1 out of every 2,000-4,000 live births, it is a widely recognized chromosomal disorder. The deletion has the potential to affect almost every system in the body and can cause a wide range of health problems. No two people are ever exactly alike, even when they have the same syndrome, and not every person with the deletion is affected in the same way. Though not always present, the key characteristics of this syndrome include combinations and varying degrees of: heart defects palate differences feeding and gastrointestinal difficulties immune system deficits growth delay kidney problems hearing loss low calcium and other endocrine issues cognitive, developmental and speech delays behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric differences."

To raise awareness about 22Q, there are support groups all over the world. They host 22Q @ the Zoo day each year and we joined Andrew, his family, and friends in wearing red at our local zoo-Henry Doorly-to raise awareness.  We had a fun time walking and talking with our family, riding on the Skyfari, and taking pictures of memories that will last forever. 

Nick and Jenna, "the hill"-we used to think it was so much bigger when we were kids! 

Team Andrew